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 the equilibrium when a reactant is added?

Back

The equilibrium shifts to the right, towards the products.

Front

What happens to the equilibrium when a product is removed?

Back

The equilibrium shifts to the right, towards the products.

Front

What effect does increasing temperature have on an exothermic reaction?

Back

The equilibrium shifts to the left, towards the reactants.

Front

What effect does decreasing pressure have on a gaseous equilibrium with more moles of gas on the reactant side?

Back

The equilibrium shifts to the left, towards the reactants.

Front

What happens when a catalyst is added to a reaction at equilibrium?

Back

There is no shift in the position of equilibrium; the rate of both forward and reverse reactions increases equally.

Front

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

Back

There is no shift in the position of equilibrium; the total pressure increases but the partial pressures of the reactants and products remain unchanged.

Front

What happens when the concentration of a reactant is decreased?

Back

The equilibrium shifts to the left, towards the reactants.

Front

What happens when the concentration of a product is increased?

Back

The equilibrium shifts to the left, towards the reactants.

Front

What is the effect of cooling an endothermic reaction?

Back

The equilibrium shifts to the left, towards the reactants.