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 added?

Back

The equilibrium shifts to the right, towards the products.

Front

What happens to equilibrium when a product is removed?

Back

The equilibrium shifts to the right, towards the products.

Front

What effect does increasing pressure have on gaseous equilibria?

Back

The equilibrium shifts towards the side with fewer moles of gas.

Front

What happens to equilibrium when temperature is increased in an exothermic reaction?

Back

The equilibrium shifts to the left, towards the reactants.

Front

What happens to equilibrium when temperature is decreased in an endothermic reaction?

Back

The equilibrium shifts to the left, towards the reactants.

Front

What is the effect of adding an inert gas at constant volume on equilibrium?

Back

There is no shift in the equilibrium position.

Front

What happens to equilibrium when a catalyst is added?

Back

A catalyst speeds up the rate of reaching equilibrium but does not change the position of equilibrium.

Front

What is the effect of removing a solvent like water in a reaction involving aqueous solutions?

Back

The equilibrium shifts towards the side with fewer aqueous species.

Front

What is the role of concentration in shifting equilibrium?

Back

Changing the concentration of reactants or products will shift the equilibrium to restore balance.