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 reactants to replace the removed substance.

Front

What happens to equilibrium when a product is removed?

Back

The equilibrium shifts towards the products to replace the removed substance.

Front

What effect does increasing pressure have on a gaseous equilibrium?

Back

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

Front

What happens to equilibrium when a reactant is added?

Back

The equilibrium shifts towards the products to consume the added reactant.

Front

What happens to equilibrium when a product is added?

Back

The equilibrium shifts towards the reactants to consume the added product.

Front

How does temperature affect equilibrium in an exothermic reaction?

Back

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

Front

How does temperature affect equilibrium in an endothermic reaction?

Back

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

Front

What is the effect of a catalyst on equilibrium?

Back

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

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.