Le Chatelier's Principle

Front

What is Le Chatelier's Principle?

Back

Le Chatelier's Principle states that if a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing the conditions, the position of equilibrium shifts to counteract the change.

Front

What happens to equilibrium when a reactant is removed?

Back

The equilibrium shifts towards the left, favoring the formation of reactants.

Front

What happens to equilibrium when a product is removed?

Back

The equilibrium shifts towards the right, favoring the formation of products.

Front

What effect does increasing the concentration of a reactant have on equilibrium?

Back

It shifts the equilibrium to the right, towards the products.

Front

What effect does increasing the concentration of a product have on equilibrium?

Back

It shifts the equilibrium to the left, towards the reactants.

Front

How does temperature affect equilibrium in an exothermic reaction?

Back

Increasing temperature shifts the equilibrium to the left, favoring the reactants.

Front

How does temperature affect equilibrium in an endothermic reaction?

Back

Increasing temperature shifts the equilibrium to the right, favoring the products.

Front

What is the effect of pressure on gaseous equilibria?

Back

Increasing pressure shifts the equilibrium towards the side with fewer moles of gas.

Front

What happens to equilibrium when a catalyst is added?

Back

A catalyst does not affect the position of equilibrium; it only speeds up the rate at which equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is the effect of removing water (H2O) in a reaction involving aqueous solutions?

Back

It shifts the equilibrium towards the left, towards the reactants.