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Explain · Q24

Q.State and explain Le Chatelier's principle with reference to
  1. change in temperature
  2. change in concerntration.

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Step 1. Statement: Le Chatelier's principle states that when a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in any of the factors (concentration, pressure, volume or temperature) that determine the equilibrium condition, the system responds in a way that minimises the effect of that change, establishing a new equilibrium.

Step 2. Change in temperature: Consider CO(g)+2H2(g)⇌CH3OH(g)+HeatCO(g)+2H_2(g)\rightleftharpoons CH_3OH(g)+\text{Heat}, an exothermic forward reaction. Increasing temperature adds heat; by Le Chatelier's principle equilibrium shifts to absorb it, i.e. the endothermic reverse reaction, decreasing [CH3OH][CH_3OH] and increasing [CO][CO] and [H2][H_2]. Since the position genuinely changes, the VALUE of KcK_c also decreases at the higher temperature (Kc is temperature-dependent).

Step 3. Change in concentration: Consider N2(g)+3H2(g)⇌2NH3(g)+HeatN_2(g)+3H_2(g)\rightleftharpoons 2NH_3(g)+\text{Heat}. If extra H2 is added, the system is no longer at equilibrium (Qc<KcQ_c<K_c). By Le Chatelier's principle the system consumes the added H2, favouring the forward reaction until a new equilibrium (with more NH3) is established. Here the position of equilibrium shifts, but the numerical VALUE of Kc remains unchanged, since temperature has not changed. …

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