Le Chatelier’s Principle says that if a system at equilibrium is disturbed by changing conditions (like concentration, temperature, or pressure), the system will adjust itself in a way that reduces the effect of the change and restores equilibrium.
In simple terms:
- If you add something, the system tries to use it up.
- If you remove something, the system tries to replace it.
- If you heat it, the system favors the reaction that absorbs heat.
- If you cool it, the system favors the reaction that produces heat.
- If you increase pressure, the system shifts towards the side with fewer gas molecules.
- If you decrease pressure, it shifts towards the side with more gas molecules.
In short: The system resists change and shifts equilibrium to counter the disturbance.