What happens to a reaction that is displaced from equilibrium?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the behavior of a chemical reaction that has been displaced from its equilibrium state and how it responds to return to that equilibrium. The choices provided explore various outcomes regarding this process.
Answer
It shifts to counteract the disturbance.
When a reaction is displaced from equilibrium, it shifts to minimize the effect of that disturbance, tending to move in a direction that counteracts the change.
Answer for screen readers
When a reaction is displaced from equilibrium, it shifts to minimize the effect of that disturbance, tending to move in a direction that counteracts the change.
More Information
Le Chatelier's Principle predicts that changes in concentration, temperature, or pressure will result in the equilibrium shifting to a point where the effects of the change are minimized. For instance, if a reactant is added, the reaction shifts toward producing more products.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that the reaction always shifts towards the products or reactants without considering what specifically is disturbed (concentration, temperature, pressure).
Sources
- Le Chatelier's Principle Fundamentals - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- 15.7: Disturbing a Reaction at Equilibrium: Le Châtelier's Principle - chem.libretexts.org
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