According to Le Chatelier's principle, what happens when a closed system at equilibrium is subjected to a change?

Study for the AS Level Chemistry Exam. Test your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Le Chatelier's principle states that if an equilibrium system is subjected to a change in conditions, such as concentration, temperature, or pressure, the system will respond by shifting its position to counteract that change and restore a new equilibrium. When a change is imposed, the system will shift in the direction that minimizes the impact of the disturbance.

For example, if the concentration of a reactant is increased, the system will shift to the right, favoring the formation of products. Similarly, if the temperature is increased in an exothermic reaction, the system will shift to the left, favoring the reactants in order to absorb excess heat. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the system tries to maintain a state of equilibrium despite external changes, thus confirming that the correct answer focuses on the system's ability to adapt and minimize the effects of those changes.

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