Le Chatelier’s Principle Flashcards
What is Le Chatelier’s Principle?
Le Chatelier’s Principle states that if you change the conditions of a reversible reaction at equilibrium, the system will try to counteract that change.
How does temperature change affect a reversible reaction?
If you decrease the temperature, the equilibrium moves in the exothermic direction to produce more heat. If you raise the temperature, the equilibrium moves in the endothermic direction to decrease it.
What happens to the equilibrium when the temperature is decreased?
The equilibrium will move in the exothermic direction to produce more heat.
What happens to the equilibrium when the temperature is increased?
The equilibrium will move in the endothermic direction to try and decrease the temperature.
What effect does changing pressure have on gaseous equilibria?
Changing the pressure only affects an equilibrium involving gases.
What occurs if pressure is increased in a gaseous equilibrium?
The equilibrium moves in the direction where there are fewer molecules of gas.
What occurs if pressure is decreased in a gaseous equilibrium?
The equilibrium moves in the direction where there are more molecules of gas.
What is the effect of increasing the concentration of reactants?
The system tries to decrease it by making more products.
What is the effect of decreasing the concentration of products?
The system tries to increase it again by reducing the amount of reactants.
In the reaction N2 + 3H2 ↔ 2NH3, how does increasing pressure affect equilibrium?
The equilibrium shifts to the right, producing more NH3.
What analogy is used to describe an equilibrium?
An equilibrium is likened to a particularly stubborn mule.
What is the significance of controlling reversible reactions in industry?
Control in reversible reactions is crucial for profitability in industrial processes.
Fill in the blank: Le Chatelier’s Principle predicts the effect of _______ on a reaction system.
[changes]
True or False: Increasing the temperature of an exothermic reaction will increase the amount of products.
False
What does an increase in concentration of reactants lead to in terms of products?
It leads to the production of more products.
What should be considered when evaluating the effect of pressure on equilibrium?
The balanced symbol equation for a reaction to see which side has more molecules of gas.
What happens when more N2 or H2 is added to the reaction N2 + 3H2 ↔ 2NH3?
The forward reaction increases to produce more NH3.
What is the effect of increasing pressure on the equilibrium position if there are more moles of gas on one side?
The equilibrium shifts toward the side with fewer moles of gas.
What is a characteristic of reversible reactions in terms of external changes?
They respond to undo changes made to the system.
