Le Chatelier's principle states that a system at equilibrium under stress:
- Stays at the original equilibrium
- Shifts to oppose and minimise the stress
- Increases the rate forward only
- Becomes a non-equilibrium system permanently
Show answer and solution
Correct answer: B. Shifts to oppose and minimise the stress
1. Le Chatelier: when an external stress (change in T, P, concentration) is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system shifts to OPPOSE and minimise the stress.
2. The system reaches a new equilibrium state.
3. It does NOT stay at the old equilibrium — that's the whole point.
_Source: syllabus Chem Ch 7 §7.6 Le Chatelier's Principle_