Le Chatelier's Law (Noun)
Meaning
The principle that if any change is imposed on a system that is in equilibrium then the system tends to adjust to a new equilibrium counteracting the change.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- Le Chatelier's law helps us predict how the equilibrium of a system will shift in response to changes in concentration, temperature, or pressure.
- According to Le Chatelier's law, an increase in temperature will cause the equilibrium position to shift to the endothermic side of the reaction.
- Le Chatelier's law is often used to explain why the Haber process is more efficient at lower temperatures, despite the decreased rate of reaction.
- As a fundamental concept in chemistry, Le Chatelier's law is applicable to both homogeneous and heterogeneous systems, including acid-base and precipitation equilibria.
- A thorough understanding of Le Chatelier's law is necessary to analyze and predict the effects of human activities on the equilibrium state of marine and freshwater ecosystems.