Le Chatelier's principle states that when a stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system
- A. shifts in the direction that relieves the stress
- B. shifts in the direction that increases the stress
- C. stops reacting altogether
- D. always shifts towards the products
Explanation
The position of equilibrium moves so as to partly oppose the change imposed, whether that change is in concentration, pressure or temperature. Adding a reactant therefore drives the reaction forward, and removing a product does the same. The principle predicts direction only; it says nothing about how far or how fast the shift occurs.
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