Le Chatelier's principle

Le Chatelier's principle states that when a chemical system is at equilibrium and a change is made to some of its conditions, the system responds to oppose these changes.

For example, consider a gaseous reaction in which the number of reactant particles is more than the number of product particles. Increasing the pressure of the system moves the equilibrium to the side of the reaction which favours fewer particles - more products are formed.

See also:

• Chemical equilibrium
• Henri Louis le Chatelier[?]