The effect of dilution on equilibrium depends on the type of reaction and the ions involved:
- Dilution decreases the concentration of all species in the solution.
- For reactions where reactants and products are ions, lowering the concentration shifts the equilibrium toward the side with more dissolved particles (to counter the change, according to Le Chatelier’s Principle).
- For reactions involving weak acids, bases, or salts, dilution usually increases ionization because the system shifts to produce more ions.
Example in simple terms:
- If you dilute a solution of a weak acid, it ionizes more to maintain balance.
In short: Dilution shifts equilibrium toward the side that increases particle numbers, often increasing ionization in solutions.