Le Chatelier's principle

Le Chatelier’s principle

When a change is imposed on a system at equilibrium, the equilibrium position will shift to oppose the change.

What happens when you increase the concentration of the reactants?

The equilibrium tries to get rid of this extra concentration of reactant by making more product.

What happens when you increase the concentration of the products?

The equilibrium shifts to the left to try and get rid of the extra product by the reverse reaction taking place.

What happens when you increase the pressure of a reaction?

Increasing the pressure shifts the equilibrium to side with the fewest gas molecules therefore reducing the pressure.

What happens when you increase the temperature?

The equilibrium shifts in the endothermic (positive enthalpy change) direction to absorb this heat.

What happens when you decrease the temperature?

The equilibrium shifts in the exothermic (negative enthalpy change) direction to try and replace the heat.