The Acidic Environment > 2. Acidic Oxides >
Identify factors which can affect the equilibrium in a reversible reaction
The following changes to an equilibrium system will have the following effects, with each effect obeying Le Chatelier’s principle by opposing the change:
- Changes in temperature:
- If the forward reaction is exothermic, an increase in temperature causes the system to shift in the reverse direction.
- If the forward reaction is endothermic, an increase in temperature causes the system to shift in the forward direction.
- The opposite effects would be observed for a decrease in temperature.
- Changes in concentration:
- An increase in the concentration of one or more reactants, or a decrease in the concentration of one or more products, causes the system to shift in the forward direction.
- A decrease in the concentration of one or more of reactants, or an increase of the concentration of one or more products, causes the system to shift in the reverse direction.
- Changes in pressure (of homogenous gaseous systems):
- An increase in pressure causes the system to shift in the direction of fewer gas molecules.
- A decrease in pressure causes the system to shift in the direction of more gas molecules.
- If the number of particles on each side of the reaction is equal, then a change in pressure has no effect.