What is Le Chatelier's principle? Discuss breifly the factors which can influcence the equilibrium.

Explanation

Le Chatelier's principle: If a chemical reaction at equilihrium is subjected to a change in temperature, pressure or concentration that govern the chemical equilibrium, the equilibrium position shifts in the direction in which the change is reduced or nullified.
1. Effect of pressure: Pressure is inversely proportional to volume. Whenpressure is increased the equilibrium shifts in such a direction where the decrease in volume is observed.
Similarly when pressure is decreased, the equilibrium shifts in such a direction where increase in volume is observed. This is applicable exclusively for gaseous reactions.
2. Effect of temperature: When temperature is increased, equilibrium shift in such a direction where the temperature change is nullified or equilibrium shifts towards the direction in which temperature is decreased or heat is absorbed. That is endothermic reaction is favoured.
When temperature is decreased equilibrium shifts in such a direction where temperature is increased or heat is liberated. That is exothermic reaction is favoured.
3. Effect of concentration: Increase in concentration of the reactants favours forward reaction and decrease in concentration of the reactants favours the backward reaction. When products are added to the equilibrium reaction the concentration of the products increases and reaction proceeds in backward direction. Removal of products leads to decrease in concentration of the products and leads to forward reaction.