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We can determine how to shift the concentration of ions in the equilibrium between a slightly soluble solid and a solution of its ions by applying Le Châtelier’s principle.
Jun 23, 2023 · Le Chatelier's principle implies that a pressure increase shifts an equilibrium to the side of the reaction with the fewer number of moles of gas, while a pressure decrease shifts an equilibrium to the side of the reaction with the greater number of moles of gas.
Aug 26, 2023 · Describe the ways in which an equilibrium system can be stressed. Predict the response of a stressed equilibrium using Le Chatelier’s principle. A system at equilibrium is in a state of dynamic balance, with forward and reverse reactions taking place at equal rates.
Practice Problems on Le Châtelier’s principle to understand the effect of changing concentration, volume, temperature, and pressure on equilibrium.
- The Basics of Le Chatelier’s Principle
- Concentration
- Pressure
- Temperature
- Le Chatelier’s Principle and Catalysts
- Le Chatelier’s Principle Example Problem
- References
The principle is credited to French chemist Henry Louis Le Chatelierand sometimes also to German scientist Karl Ferdinand Braun, who discovered it independently.Le Chatelier’s principle helps you predict the direction of the response to a change in equilibrium.The principle does not explain the reason why the equilibrium shifts, only the direction of the shift.Concentration: Increasing the concentration of reactants shifts the equilibrium to produce more products. Increasing the concentration of products shift the equilibrium to make more reactants.Remember, Le Chatelier’s principle states that the equilibrium shifts toward the side of a reversible reaction that opposes the change. The equilibrium constant for the reaction does not change. As an example, consider the equilibrium reaction where carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas react and form methanol: CO + 2 H2 ⇌ CH3OH If you increase the conce...
Le Chatelier’s principle predicts the equilibrium shift when you increase or decrease the pressure of a reaction involving gases. Note that the equilibrium constant for the reaction does not change. Increasing the pressure shifts the reaction in a way that reduces pressure. Decreasing pressure shifts the reaction in a way that increases pressure. T...
Unlike changing concentration or pressure, changing the temperature of a reaction shifts the magnitude of the equilibrium constant. The direction of the equilibrium shift depends on the enthalpy change of the reaction. In a reversible reaction, one direction is an exothermic reaction (evolves heat and has a negative ΔH) and the other direction is a...
Le Chatelier’s principle does not apply to catalysts. Adding a catalyst does not shift the equilibrium of a chemical reaction because it increases the rates of the forward and reverse reactions equally.
For example, predict the effect when changes occur in the reaction where gaseous SO3 decomposes into SO2 and O2: 2 SO3 (g) ⇌ 2 SO2 (g) + O2(g); ΔH = 197.78 kJ/mol (a) What happens if you increase the temperature of the reaction? The shift of equilibrium favors the forward reaction because the decomposition reaction is endothermic. (b) What happens ...
Atkins, P.W. (1993). The Elements of Physical Chemistry(3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.Callen, H.B. (1985). Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics(2nd ed.) New York: Wiley. ISBN 0-471-86256-8.Le Chatelier, H.; Boudouard, O. (1898), “Limits of Flammability of Gaseous Mixtures.” Bulletin de la Société Chimique de France(Paris). 19: 483–488.Münster, A. (1970). Classical Thermodynamics(translated by E.S. Halberstadt). Wiley–Interscience. London. ISBN 0-471-62430-6.This phenomenon is summarized by Le Châtelier’s principle: if an equilibrium system is stressed, the system will experience a shift in response to the stress that re-establishes equilibrium. Reaction rates are affected primarily by concentrations, as described by the reaction’s rate law, and temperature, as described by the Arrhenius equation.
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Why does equilibria shift toward reactants?
How can chemical equilibria be shifted?
What happens if an equilibrium system is stressed?
Why does the equilibrium shift?
Answers. toward reactants. It is worth noting that when reactants or products are added or removed, the value of the Keq does not change. The chemical reaction simply shifts, in a predictable fashion, to reestablish concentrations so that the Keq expression reverts to the correct value.
