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 re-establish a new equilibrium.
- Equilibrium: A state where the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal.
- Disturbances: Changes in temperature, pressure, or concentration can disrupt equilibrium.
- Shifting equilibrium: The system responds by shifting to minimize the effect of the change.
Examples:
- Increasing concentration of reactants: The equilibrium shifts towards the products.
- Increasing temperature in an endothermic reaction: The equilibrium shifts towards the products.
- Increasing pressure in a system with gaseous reactants and products: The equilibrium shifts to the side with fewer moles of gas.
Le Chatelier’s principle helps predict how a system will respond to changes in its environment. It’s a fundamental concept in chemistry with applications in various fields, including industrial processes and environmental science.