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 and restore a new equilibrium.

Front

What happens to equilibrium when the concentration of a reactant is increased?

Back

The equilibrium will shift to the right (towards the products) to use up the added reactant.

Front

What effect does increasing temperature have on an exothermic reaction at equilibrium?

Back

Increasing temperature will shift the equilibrium to the left (towards the reactants) to absorb the added heat.

Front

What is the effect of adding a catalyst to a system at equilibrium?

Back

A catalyst speeds up both the forward and reverse reactions equally but does not change the position of equilibrium.

Front

How does a decrease in pressure affect a gaseous equilibrium with more moles of gas on one side?

Back

The equilibrium will shift towards the side with fewer moles of gas to increase pressure.

Front

What is meant by 'shifting' an equilibrium?

Back

Shifting an equilibrium refers to changing the rates of the forward or reverse reactions to establish a new equilibrium position.

Front

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

Back

The equilibrium will shift to the left (towards the reactants) to produce heat.

Front

What is the relationship between equilibrium constant (K) and temperature?

Back

The equilibrium constant (K) changes with temperature; it is specific to a particular temperature.

Front

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

Back

Adding an inert gas at constant volume does not affect the position of equilibrium.

Front

What does it mean if a reaction is endothermic?

Back

An endothermic reaction absorbs heat from the surroundings.