Le Chatelier′s Principle
Predicts that when a stress is applied to an equilibrium mixture, the equilibrium will shift to relieve the stress.
Stresses include temperature changes, pressure changes, and changes in the concentrations of species in the mixture.
Example:
- Increasing the concentration of a reactant drives the reaction forward.
- Increasing the concentration of a product drives it backward.
See also: Equilibrium Constant.
Subjects: Chemistry