Question
Question: Le Chatelier's principle is applicable to: A. Only homogeneous chemical reversible reactions B....
Le Chatelier's principle is applicable to:
A. Only homogeneous chemical reversible reactions
B. Only heterogeneous chemical reversible reactions
C. Only physical equilibrium
D. All systems, chemical or physical, in equilibrium
Solution
Hint: Le Chatelier's principle is used to study the behaviour of a system due to changes in temperature, pressure and concentration.
Step by step answer:
Le Chatelier's principle is applicable to all systems, chemical or physical, in equilibrium. According to the principal, when a system at equilibrium is disturbed the position of the equilibrium shifts in a direction so that the effect of the change is nullified. For example, when we increase the pressure, the equilibrium will shift to the side with less number of moles of gaseous species so that total pressure decreases. This nullifies the effect of the increase in pressure.
Thus, we can say that Le Chatelier's principle is applicable to all systems, chemical or physical, in equilibrium.
So, Option D is the correct answer.
Additional Information: The following are the outcomes from the Le Chatelier's principle:
The basic outcome from Le Chatelier's principle is that when a system experiences a disturbance it will respond to restore a new equilibrium state.
The three types of stresses that can alter the composition of an equilibrium system are :
Adding or removing reactants and products
Changing the total pressure and volume
Change in the pressure of the volume
Note: Some important points regarding the Le Chatelier's principle are :
Le Chatelier's principle addresses how an equilibrium shifts when the conditions of equilibrium are changed.
The direction of shift can be predicted for changes in concentration, temperature and pressure.
Catalyst to not affect the position of an equilibrium. They help reactions achieve equilibrium faster.