Le Chatelier's principle says that if a chemical reaction at equilibrium is disturbed by changing conditions, the reaction will...
equal and opposite motion
not change, because equilibrium means equal
will adjust to amplify the changed conditions
will shift appropriately to counteract the change.
Le Chatelier's principle predicts that if a chemical reaction at equilibrium is disturbed, the reaction will shift in a way that counteracts the change. Therefore, the answer is: will shift appropriately to counteract the change.
Le Chatelier's principle states that if a chemical reaction at equilibrium is disturbed by changing the conditions, the reaction will adjust in a way that counteracts the change. In other words, the equilibrium will shift to minimize the effect of the disturbance.
To better understand how this principle works, let's consider a few scenarios:
1. Change in concentration: If the concentration of one of the reactants or products is increased, the reaction will shift in the direction that consumes or reduces the excess concentration. Conversely, if the concentration is decreased, the reaction will shift in the direction that increases the concentration.
2. Change in pressure (for gaseous reactions): Increasing the pressure will shift the equilibrium in the direction that reduces the total number of gas molecules. Conversely, if the pressure is decreased, the equilibrium will shift to increase the total number of gas molecules.
3. Change in temperature: If the temperature of an exothermic reaction (releases heat) is increased, the equilibrium will shift in the direction that consumes heat, which is the forward reaction. Conversely, if the temperature is decreased, the equilibrium will shift in the direction that produces heat, which is the reverse reaction. For endothermic reactions (absorbs heat), the opposite applies.
Overall, Le Chatelier's principle describes how chemical reactions at equilibrium respond to changes in concentration, pressure, and temperature. The equilibrium will always adjust in such a way that it counteracts the change, aiming to restore the original equilibrium conditions.