What happens to equilibrium when a change in concentration occurs?

When there is a change in concentration of either reactants or products in a chemical equilibrium, the system will respond by shifting the equilibrium position to counteract that change. This is based on Le Chatelier's Principle, which states that if an external change is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will adjust itself to partially counteract that change and restore a new equilibrium.

For instance, if the concentration of reactants is increased, the system will shift towards the products to reduce the effect of the increased concentration. Conversely, if the concentration of products is increased, the system will shift towards the reactants. This principle helps to maintain a balance in the concentrations of reactants and products, thereby stabilizing the system.

Understanding the effects of concentration changes on equilibrium allows chemists and operators to predict how reactants and products will behave when conditions vary, making it a pivotal concept in both physical and chemical operations.