Define and give an example of Le Chatalier's Principle of Chemical Equilibrium.

For any change that occurs in a chemical system, the equilibrium of that system will shift in order to counteract the change being imposed on that system. For example, if the temperature is increased for a reaction, and the forward reaction is endothermic, with an endothermic reverse reaction; the system will shift in order to dissipate the excess heat energy. Since an endothermic reaction takes in heat energy from the surroundings, this reaction will be favoured in order to use up the excess heat energy. Hence the shift in equilibrium will favour the reverse reaction. 

BC
Answered by Benn C. Chemistry tutor

3562 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why the boiling point of PH3 is lower than the boiling point of AsH3


Why is a nucleophilic substitution reaction between ammonia and benzene unlikely?


What trends are shown as you go down group 2 of the periodic table?


Explain why compounds of Fe^2+ are coloured in solution. (4 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning