What does it mean for equilibrium to shift?

Simply shifting equilibrium means increased rate of conversion of substances, predicating on the change in the reaction in the first place. The position of equilibrium moves to the left. This is essentially what happens if one of the products is removed as soon as it is formed. If, for example, C is removed in this…

Simply shifting equilibrium means increased rate of conversion of substances, predicating on the change in the reaction in the first place.

The position of equilibrium moves to the left. This is essentially what happens if one of the products is removed as soon as it is formed. If, for example, C is removed in this way, the position of equilibrium would move to the right to replace it.

According to the Le Chatelier’s principle, the net reaction will move in the direction that decreases the stress placed on the system. So if the stress is increased amount of one of the reactants, the equilibrium will shift to the right to get rid of some of that reactant.

This means if we add reactant, equilibrium goes right, away from the reactant. If we add product, equilibrium goes left, away from the product. If we remove product, equilibrium goes right, making product. If we remove reactant, equilibrium goes left, making reactant.

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