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Chemistry vocabulary · Energy, Reaction Rates and Equilibrium

Le Chatelier's principle

Meaning in chemistry, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In chemistry, Le Chatelier's principle means: The rule that when a system at equilibrium is disturbed by a change in concentration, pressure or temperature, the equilibrium shifts in the direction that reduces the effect of the change.

In Turkish: Le Chatelier ilkesi

How it is used

Used to predict how to get more product from equilibrium reactions, such as the Haber process for ammonia. You apply the principle and say the equilibrium 'shifts to the right' (toward products) or 'to the left'.

Example sentences

  1. By Le Chatelier's principle, removing water will push the esterification toward the products.

  2. Use Le Chatelier's principle to explain why high pressure favors ammonia formation.

Common collocations

  • apply Le Chatelier's principle
  • shift the equilibrium
  • according to Le Chatelier's principle
  • chemical equilibriumThe state of a reversible reaction in which the forward and reverse reactions run at the same rate, so the amounts of reactants and products stay constant.
  • equilibrium constantA number, K, that relates the concentrations or pressures of the products to those of the reactants when a reaction is at equilibrium. A large value means the products are favored.
  • concentrationThe amount of a substance in a given volume of solution or mixture, for example in moles per liter (mol/L), grams per liter or parts per million (ppm).

More terms: Energy, Reaction Rates and Equilibrium

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