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.