Le Chatelier's Principle

Question 1

What is the idea of Le Chatelier’s Principle?

Answer 1

Le Chatelier’s Principle is the idea that if you change the conditions of a reversible reaction at equilibrium, the system will try to counteract that change.

It can be used to predict the effect of any changes you make to a reaction system.

Question 2

Such as changes to the Temperature!

Answer 2

If you decrease the temperature, the equilibrium will move in the exothermic direction to produce more heat. This means you’ll get more products for the exothermic reaction and fewer products for the endothermic reaction.

If you raise the temperature, the equilibrium will move in the endothermic direction to try and decrease it. You’ll now get more products for the endothermic reaction and fewer products for the exothermic reaction