This is Le Chatelier's Principle. In esoteric terms it is this.
When a chemical system at equilibrium is subjected to a stress, the system will shift in such a way so as to relieve the stress. Some students don't get that so here is a much easier explanation.
A system at equilibrium will try to undo what we do to it.
3H2(g) + N2(g) ⇌ 2 NH3(g) Δ H < 0
So this system is at equilibrium. We REMOVE NH3 so the system will try to produce MORE to make up for what we did to it. The only way it can produce more is to shift to the right.
Given the equilibrium:
3H2(g) + N2(g) ⇌ 2 NH3(g) Δ H < 0
How will the equilibrium shift if the concentration of ammonia is decreased?
1 answer