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Term: Le Chatelier's Law
Description
Le Chatelier's Law, also known as the principle of equilibrium, is a fundamental concept in chemistry that describes the behavior of a system when subjected to external stresses or changes in conditions. This law states that when a system at equilibrium experiences a change, it will adjust itself in a way that opposes the change, ultimately restoring equilibrium.
Senses and Usages
- Chemical Equilibrium:
- Sense: Refers to the principle that governs the behavior of chemical reactions in a state of equilibrium.
- Usage: According to Le Chatelier's Law, if the concentration of reactants in a reversible reaction is decreased, the equilibrium will shift towards the side with fewer moles of substances.
- Physical Equilibrium:
- Sense: Pertains to the principle applied to physical changes that reach equilibrium, such as changes in pressure, temperature, or volume.
- Usage: Le Chatelier's Law predicts that a decrease in pressure applied to a gas in equilibrium will cause the system to shift towards the side with more moles of gas molecules.
Sample Sentences
- According to Le Chatelier's Law, an increase in temperature will cause an exothermic reaction to shift in the direction that absorbs heat.
- When additional reactants are introduced into a system at equilibrium, Le Chatelier's Law explains that the system will adjust by producing more products to restore equilibrium.
- Le Chatelier's Law helps chemists predict the effect of changes in concentration, temperature, or pressure on chemical equilibria.
- By understanding Le Chatelier's Law, scientists can optimize reaction conditions to maximize the production of desired products.
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