Le Chatelier's Principle

Question 1

What is Le Chatelier’s Principle?

Answer 1

• If we change the condititions of a reversible reaction, the position of equilibrium will shift to try and counteract this change

Question 2

How does temperature effect the position of equilibrium?

Answer 2

• Increasing temperature: shifts equilibrium in the endothermic direction
• Decreasing temperature: shift equilibrium in the exothermic direction
• This is done because if we decrease temperature, the reaction will try to counteract this by releasing more temperature and so equilibrium will shift to the side of the exothermic reaction

Question 3

How does pressure effect the position of equilibrium?

Answer 3

• Increasing pressure: shifts equilibrium to the side with the least number of molecules
• Decrease pressure: shifts equilibrium to the side with the greater number of molecules

Question 4

How does concentration effect the position of equilibrium?

Answer 4

• Increase concentration of reactant: shifts equilibrium to the side of the products
• Increase concentration of products: shifts equilibrium to the side of the reactants

Question 5

Change in pressure only affects what type of substances?

Answer 5

• In reversible reactions, changes in pressure only affects gases