What is le Chatelier's principle?

Le Chatelier's principle states that a reaction at equilibrium will shift it's position of equilibrium in order to oppose any changes to it's environment.

So if your reaction is exothermic, and you cool your reaction down, it will shift it's position of equilibrium more towards the products to warm it back up again, and vice versa for an endothermic reaction.

Likewise, if your reaction produces a gas, and therefore raises the pressure of the reaction vessel, if you decrease the pressure in your reaction vessel, the reaction will shift more towards the reactants to bring the pressure back up.

Answered by Chris M. Chemistry tutor

3049 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the geometry of a ClF3 molecule? (AQA Unit 1 2015 1d)


What chemical test can be used to differentiate between alkenes and alkanes. Describe and explain the results.


Please can you explain E/Z isomers?


Which molecule has the highest boiling point: methane, ammonia, water or hydrogen fluoride? Explain why.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences