What is Le Chatelier’s Principle?

Le Chatelier’s Principle states that if a dynamic system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, temperature, pressure, or volume, the system will adjust to counteract that change and restore a new equilibrium. In the context of the correct answer, when the concentration of either reactants or products is altered, the system shifts in the direction that will reduce the effect of the change. For instance, if the concentration of a reactant is increased, the equilibrium will shift toward the products to consume the added reactant, thereby maintaining a balance.

This principle helps predict how equilibrium will respond to various stresses placed upon it, allowing chemists to anticipate the behavior of a chemical reaction in different conditions. In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe Le Chatelier’s Principle. For instance, stating that a system will always favor the formation of products overlooks instances where changes may favor the reactants instead. Similarly, the suggestions that a system will reach equilibrium without external influences or that a system at constant pressure will not change do not encapsulate the essence of how equilibrium adjusts in response to external changes.