
Chemical Equilibrium
Chemistry (Year 12)
Le Châtelier’s Principle
Le Châtelier’s Principle (LCP) is a tool used to predict how a system at equilibrium will respond to changes in its conditions.
The principle states that if a chemical reaction is at equilibrium and experiences a change in pressure, temperature, or concentration of products or reactants, then the equilibrium position will shift in a direction that partially counteracts this imposed change.
For example, if you increase the temperature of a chemical reaction at equilibrium, the system will try to cool itself by shifting the equilibrium position in the endothermic (heat absorbing) direction.
Similarly, if you add more of a reactant to a chemical reaction at equilibrium, then the system will try to counteract this change by shifting the equilibrium position to the right and producing more products.
Menu
You have pages remaining today.
Consider signing up, it's free!