According to Le Chatelier’s principle, what happens when an equilibrium system is subjected to a change?

Le Chatelier's principle states that if a dynamic equilibrium system is disturbed by an external change, the system will adjust itself to counteract that disturbance and restore a new equilibrium. This means that when a change occurs—such as a change in concentration, temperature, or pressure—the system will respond by shifting in the direction that minimizes the impact of that change.

For example, if the concentration of a reactant is increased, the system will shift towards the products to reduce that concentration and restore balance. Similarly, in the event of a temperature change, the reaction will favor either the exothermic or endothermic direction to counteract the temperature shift.

This principle is foundational in understanding how chemical reactions can be influenced by external conditions, allowing chemists to predict how systems may behave under varying conditions. The focus of the response to maintain equilibrium demonstrates the dynamic nature of chemical reactions and their ability to adapt to changes.