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 a system at equilibrium when the concentration of a reactant is increased?

Back

The system shifts to the right to consume the added reactant.

Front

What happens to a system at equilibrium when the concentration of a product is decreased?

Back

The system shifts to the right to produce more of the product.

Front

How does an increase in temperature affect an exothermic reaction at equilibrium?

Back

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

Front

How does a decrease in pressure affect a reaction with more moles of gas on the reactant side?

Back

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

Front

What are the three main factors that affect the equilibrium of a reaction?

Back

Temperature, pressure, and concentration.

Front

What is the effect of adding an inert gas to a system at equilibrium?

Back

There is no shift in equilibrium; it does not affect the concentrations of reactants or products.

Front

What is the equilibrium constant (K)?

Back

The equilibrium constant (K) is a numerical value that expresses the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium.

Front

What does a large K value indicate about a reaction?

Back

A large K value indicates that the reaction favors the formation of products at equilibrium.

Front

What does a small K value indicate about a reaction?

Back

A small K value indicates that the reaction favors the formation of reactants at equilibrium.