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Understanding Le Chatelierโ€™s Principle: Key Concepts Explained

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calista ๐Ÿชป

12/10/2025

Chemistry

Le Chatelierโ€™s Principle

44

โ€ข

Dec 10, 2025

โ€ข

3 pages

Understanding Le Chatelierโ€™s Principle: Key Concepts Explained

user profile picture

calista ๐Ÿชป

@urstrulycalista

Le Chatelier's Principle explains how chemical reactions respond when their... Show more

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5,10 Le chatelier's Principle
Chemical reactions
are in a
i
Chemical Equilibrium
that may be
that may be
affected by
predicted by
Change in

Chemical Equilibrium and Le Chatelier's Principle

Chemical reactions exist in a state of equilibrium where the rates of forward and reverse reactions are balanced. This equilibrium isn't static - it can be disrupted by changing conditions, causing the reaction to shift in favor of either products or reactants.

Le Chatelier's Principle, developed by Henri Chatelier, gives us a reliable way to predict how a system at equilibrium will respond when disturbed. When factors like concentration, temperature, or pressure change, the reaction shifts in a predictable direction to counteract that change.

Some reactions naturally favor the reactant side (with small equilibrium constants), while others favor the product side (with large equilibrium constants). Regardless of which side is favored, all reactions eventually reach this balanced state.

Think of it this way: Equilibrium is like a seesaw trying to stay balanced. When you add weight to one side, the system will shift to try to restore balance.

5,10 Le chatelier's Principle
Chemical reactions
are in a
i
Chemical Equilibrium
that may be
that may be
affected by
predicted by
Change in

How Concentration Changes Affect Equilibrium

When you disturb a reaction at equilibrium by changing concentration, the system responds predictably to restore balance. If you add more reactants, the equilibrium shifts to the right (forming more products) to use up the excess reactants. Similarly, adding products pushes the equilibrium left.

The shift follows these simple patterns:

  • Adding reactants โ†’ equilibrium shifts right (makes more products)
  • Removing reactants โ†’ equilibrium shifts left (preserves remaining reactants)
  • Adding products โ†’ equilibrium shifts left (uses up excess products)
  • Removing products โ†’ equilibrium shifts right (makes more products)

For example, in the reaction where NOโ‚‚ forms Nโ‚‚Oโ‚„, adding more NOโ‚‚ temporarily disrupts equilibrium. The system responds by converting some of this excess NOโ‚‚ into Nโ‚‚Oโ‚„ until a new equilibrium is established with different concentrations than before.

Real-world connection: This is like adjusting the water temperature in your shower. If it gets too hot, you add cold water, and the system reaches a new comfortable balance.

5,10 Le chatelier's Principle
Chemical reactions
are in a
i
Chemical Equilibrium
that may be
that may be
affected by
predicted by
Change in

Temperature and Pressure Effects

Temperature changes impact equilibrium differently depending on whether the reaction is endothermic or exothermic. Increasing temperature favors endothermic reactions (which absorb heat) by shifting toward products. For exothermic reactions (which release heat), higher temperatures shift equilibrium toward reactants.

Pressure changes significantly affect reactions involving gases. When pressure increases, the equilibrium shifts to the side with fewer gas molecules to counteract the pressure change. In the NOโ‚‚/Nโ‚‚Oโ‚„ example, increased pressure shifts the reaction right because two NOโ‚‚ molecules combine to form just one Nโ‚‚Oโ‚„ molecule.

The beauty of Le Chatelier's Principle is its reliability in predicting how systems will respond to changes. No matter what disruption occursโ€”whether concentration, temperature, or pressure changesโ€”the chemical system will always shift to reestablish equilibrium in the most efficient way possible.

Remember: The system always shifts in the direction that reduces the effect of the change you introduced. Think of it as the reaction's way of "pushing back" against your interference!



We thought youโ€™d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ€“ all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us โ€” and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think itโ€™s very much worth it and youโ€™ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still donโ€™t get it!!! In the end I think itโ€™s worth it ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ‘ โš ๏ธAlso DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DONโ€™T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLYโ—๏ธโ—๏ธโš ๏ธ

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app Iโ€™ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help๐Ÿค๐Ÿค

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.๐Ÿ˜‹๐Ÿฉท๐ŸŽ€

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as Iโ€™ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think itโ€™s very much worth it and youโ€™ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still donโ€™t get it!!! In the end I think itโ€™s worth it ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ‘ โš ๏ธAlso DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DONโ€™T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLYโ—๏ธโ—๏ธโš ๏ธ

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app Iโ€™ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help๐Ÿค๐Ÿค

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.๐Ÿ˜‹๐Ÿฉท๐ŸŽ€

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as Iโ€™ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

ย 

Chemistry

โ€ข

44

โ€ข

Dec 10, 2025

โ€ข

3 pages

Understanding Le Chatelierโ€™s Principle: Key Concepts Explained

user profile picture

calista ๐Ÿชป

@urstrulycalista

Le Chatelier's Principle explains how chemical reactions respond when their equilibrium is disturbed. This powerful concept helps us predict how reactions will shift when conditions like concentration, temperature, or pressure change, making it essential for understanding chemical behavior.

5,10 Le chatelier's Principle
Chemical reactions
are in a
i
Chemical Equilibrium
that may be
that may be
affected by
predicted by
Change in

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Improve your grades

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Chemical Equilibrium and Le Chatelier's Principle

Chemical reactions exist in a state of equilibrium where the rates of forward and reverse reactions are balanced. This equilibrium isn't static - it can be disrupted by changing conditions, causing the reaction to shift in favor of either products or reactants.

Le Chatelier's Principle, developed by Henri Chatelier, gives us a reliable way to predict how a system at equilibrium will respond when disturbed. When factors like concentration, temperature, or pressure change, the reaction shifts in a predictable direction to counteract that change.

Some reactions naturally favor the reactant side (with small equilibrium constants), while others favor the product side (with large equilibrium constants). Regardless of which side is favored, all reactions eventually reach this balanced state.

Think of it this way: Equilibrium is like a seesaw trying to stay balanced. When you add weight to one side, the system will shift to try to restore balance.

5,10 Le chatelier's Principle
Chemical reactions
are in a
i
Chemical Equilibrium
that may be
that may be
affected by
predicted by
Change in

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

How Concentration Changes Affect Equilibrium

When you disturb a reaction at equilibrium by changing concentration, the system responds predictably to restore balance. If you add more reactants, the equilibrium shifts to the right (forming more products) to use up the excess reactants. Similarly, adding products pushes the equilibrium left.

The shift follows these simple patterns:

  • Adding reactants โ†’ equilibrium shifts right (makes more products)
  • Removing reactants โ†’ equilibrium shifts left (preserves remaining reactants)
  • Adding products โ†’ equilibrium shifts left (uses up excess products)
  • Removing products โ†’ equilibrium shifts right (makes more products)

For example, in the reaction where NOโ‚‚ forms Nโ‚‚Oโ‚„, adding more NOโ‚‚ temporarily disrupts equilibrium. The system responds by converting some of this excess NOโ‚‚ into Nโ‚‚Oโ‚„ until a new equilibrium is established with different concentrations than before.

Real-world connection: This is like adjusting the water temperature in your shower. If it gets too hot, you add cold water, and the system reaches a new comfortable balance.

5,10 Le chatelier's Principle
Chemical reactions
are in a
i
Chemical Equilibrium
that may be
that may be
affected by
predicted by
Change in

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Temperature and Pressure Effects

Temperature changes impact equilibrium differently depending on whether the reaction is endothermic or exothermic. Increasing temperature favors endothermic reactions (which absorb heat) by shifting toward products. For exothermic reactions (which release heat), higher temperatures shift equilibrium toward reactants.

Pressure changes significantly affect reactions involving gases. When pressure increases, the equilibrium shifts to the side with fewer gas molecules to counteract the pressure change. In the NOโ‚‚/Nโ‚‚Oโ‚„ example, increased pressure shifts the reaction right because two NOโ‚‚ molecules combine to form just one Nโ‚‚Oโ‚„ molecule.

The beauty of Le Chatelier's Principle is its reliability in predicting how systems will respond to changes. No matter what disruption occursโ€”whether concentration, temperature, or pressure changesโ€”the chemical system will always shift to reestablish equilibrium in the most efficient way possible.

Remember: The system always shifts in the direction that reduces the effect of the change you introduced. Think of it as the reaction's way of "pushing back" against your interference!

We thought youโ€™d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ€“ all at your fingertips.

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Students love us โ€” and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think itโ€™s very much worth it and youโ€™ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still donโ€™t get it!!! In the end I think itโ€™s worth it ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ‘ โš ๏ธAlso DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DONโ€™T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLYโ—๏ธโ—๏ธโš ๏ธ

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app Iโ€™ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help๐Ÿค๐Ÿค

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.๐Ÿ˜‹๐Ÿฉท๐ŸŽ€

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as Iโ€™ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think itโ€™s very much worth it and youโ€™ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still donโ€™t get it!!! In the end I think itโ€™s worth it ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ‘ โš ๏ธAlso DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DONโ€™T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLYโ—๏ธโ—๏ธโš ๏ธ

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app Iโ€™ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help๐Ÿค๐Ÿค

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.๐Ÿ˜‹๐Ÿฉท๐ŸŽ€

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as Iโ€™ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user