Chapter 2.5 +2.6 - Shifting equilibrium position / Le Chatelier's principle and conc. changes ✓

Question 1

What are the three main imposed changes that affect equilibrium?

Answer 1

-Changing the concentration of a species
-Changing the total pressure (in a gaseous system)
-Changing the temperature

Question 2

What does Le Chatelier’s Principle predict?

Answer 2

It predicts how an equilibrium system will respond to imposed changes but does not explain why.

Question 3

What is Le Chatelier’s Principle?

Answer 3

If a system at equilibrium experiences a change in conditions, it will adjust to establish a new equilibrium that partially counteracts the imposed change

Question 4

What does “partially counteracts” mean in Le Chatelier’s Principle?

Answer 4

The system responds to an imposed change by shifting equilibrium to reduce its effect, but not completely reverse it.

Question 5

What happens if more reactants are added to a system at equilibrium?

Answer 5

The equilibrium will shift toward the products to partially counteract the increase in reactants.

Question 6

What two concepts can be used to explain equilibrium shifts?

Answer 6

Reaction rate and collision theory.

Question 7

What happens to the system while equilibrium is being re-established?

Answer 7

The system is temporarily out of equilibrium but will eventually return to a new equilibrium state.