What is Le Chatelier’s Principle of Equilibrium?
Le Chatelier’s Principle was proposed by Le Chatelier, a renowned French chemist to describe the effect of change in pressure, temperature, and concentration on any reversible system. In other words, a change in any of the factors that determine the equilibrium conditions of a system will cause the system to change in such a manner to reduce the effect of change.
Le Chatelier’s Principle definition
According to Le Chatelier’s principle, If a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change of any one of the factors such as concentration, pressure, or temperature, the system adjusts itself in such a way as to oppose the effect of that change.
Le Chatelier’s Example
Consider the example of synthesis of ammonia which is given by the following equation:
N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇄ 2NH3(g) + 22400cal
Then, as per Le Chatelier’s Principle, following parameters affect the reaction:
- Effect of Concentration: When concentration of N2 or H2 increases, rate of forward reaction increases thereby increasing the concentration of NH3.
- Effect of Pressure: When NH3 is formed, there is a decrease in volume. When pressure is increased, the system will move in direction of lower volume so as to follow the Le Chatelier’s principle. Therefore, high pressure helps in formation of NH3.
- Effect of Temperature: It is an exothermic reaction. Hence, the concentration of NH3 will increase at low temperature.
Le Chatelier’s Principle
Le Chatelier’s Principle considers following factors affecting equilibrium:
- Effect of Concentration Change
- Effect of Pressure Change
- Effect of Temperature Change
- Effect of Volume Change
- Effect of Catalyst
- Effect of Addition of Inert Gas
Let’s discuss them in detail below:
Le Chateliers Principle
Le Chatelier’s Principle is a fundamental concept in chemistry that describes how a chemical system at equilibrium responds to changes in temperature, pressure, or concentration of reactants or products. This principle is named after the French chemist Henry Louis Le Chatelier, who formulated it in the late 19th century. Equilibrium refers to the state of balance which tells that there is equal weight on both sides of the scale. Chemical equilibrium is attained when the rate of forward reaction is equal to the rate of backward reaction.
In this article, we will have a thorough knowledge of equilibrium, Le Chatelier’s principle, and the effect of various factors on chemical equilibrium.
Table of Content
- What is Le Chatelier’s Principle of Equilibrium?
- Effect of Concentration Change on Equilibrium
- Effect of Change in Pressure on Equilibrium
- Effect of Volume Change on Product Formation
- Effect of Change in Temperature on Equilibrium
- Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium
- Effect of Addition of an Inert gas on Equilibrium
- Application of Le Chatelier’s Principle