Le Chatelier's Principle FLASHCARD

Front

What is Le Chatelier's Principle?

Back

Le Chatelier's Principle states that if a chemical system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, temperature, or pressure, the system will adjust to counteract that change and restore a new equilibrium.

Front

What happens to equilibrium when a reactant is added?

Back

The equilibrium will shift to the right, favoring the formation of products.

Front

What happens to equilibrium when a product is removed?

Back

The equilibrium will shift to the right, favoring the formation of more products.

Front

How does increasing pressure affect equilibrium in a reaction with fewer moles of gas on the product side?

Back

The equilibrium will shift to the right, favoring the side with fewer moles of gas.

Front

How does decreasing temperature affect an exothermic reaction at equilibrium?

Back

The equilibrium will shift to the right, favoring the formation of products.

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 is the effect of increasing temperature on an endothermic reaction at equilibrium?

Back

The equilibrium will shift to the right, favoring the formation of products.

Front

What does it mean for a reaction to be at equilibrium?

Back

At equilibrium, the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, and the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant.

Front

What happens to the concentration of reactants when the equilibrium shifts to the left?

Back

The concentration of reactants will increase.

Front

What is the role of a catalyst in a chemical reaction at equilibrium?

Back

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