le chatelier’s principle

Question 1

state le châtelier’s principle.

Answer 1

• le châtelier’s principle states that if a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, temperature, or pressure, the system will adjust to partially counteract the imposed change and a new equilibrium will be established.

Question 2

how does an increase in concentration of a reactant affect the equilibrium position?

Answer 2

• increasing the concentration of a reactant shifts the equilibrium position to the right, favouring the formation of more products.

Question 3

how does an increase in temperature affect an exothermic reaction at equilibrium?

Answer 3

• an increase in temperature shifts the equilibrium position to the left for an exothermic reaction, favouring the formation of reactants.

Question 4

what is the effect of a catalyst on the position of equilibrium?

Answer 4

• a catalyst does not affect the position of equilibrium; it only speeds up the rate at which equilibrium is achieved by lowering the activation energy for both the forward and reverse reactions.