What is Le Chatelier's principle?

Le Chatelier's principle is a fundamental concept in chemistry that applies to systems in equilibrium. It states that if a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing the conditions, the system will respond by partially counteracting that change in an attempt to restore a new equilibrium.

For instance, if the concentration of a reactant is increased, the system will shift in the direction that consumes some of that reactant. Similarly, if the temperature or pressure changes, the system will adjust to either absorb or release heat or to redistribute the reaction components to accommodate that change. This principle is crucial in predicting how changes in various factors such as concentration, temperature, and pressure can influence the position of equilibrium in chemical reactions.

Understanding Le Chatelier's principle allows chemists to manipulate reaction conditions to favor the formation of desired products, making it an essential tool in both theoretical and practical chemistry applications.