Le Chatelier’s Principle: Pressure Changes on Equilibrium (AQA GCSE Chemistry): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
6.2.7 Le Chatelier's Principle: Pressure Changes on Equilibrium
The Effect of Pressure Changes on Equilibrium
According to Le Chatelier's Principle, an equilibrium will shift its position to oppose any change in pressure.
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This means that, when the pressure is increased, the equilibrium will shift towards whichever side of the reaction has fewer moles of gas. This reduces the pressure of the reaction and opposes the change.
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In reactions involving gases, an increase in pressure will cause the equilibrium to shift towards the side with fewer moles of gas, reducing the pressure.
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Whereas, a decrease in pressure will cause the equilibrium to shift towards the side with more moles of gas, increasing the pressure.
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Example: For the ammonia formation reaction: