⚖️ Le Chatelier’s Principle Explained: DAT Chemistry Equilibrium Strategy

If you're prepping for the DAT General Chemistry section, expect to encounter equilibrium problems. Le Chatelier’s Principle is a favorite because it tests critical thinking, not just formula recall.

Whether it's a change in concentration, temperature, volume, or pressure, understanding how a system reacts can quickly score you points.

🔬 What Is Le Chatelier’s Principle?

Le Chatelier’s Principle states:

“If a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing the conditions, the system responds to counteract the change and restore equilibrium.”

🔁 How Changes Affect Equilibrium

Change Applied	System’s Response
Add Reactants	Shift → Products
Add Products	Shift → Reactants
Remove Reactants	Shift ← Reactants (replenish)
Increase Pressure	Shift → Side with fewer gas moles
Decrease Pressure	Shift → Side with more gas moles
Increase Temperature	Shift in endothermic direction
Decrease Temperature	Shift in exothermic direction

🧠 DAT Question Format

You may see Le Chatelier’s Principle tested by:

• Predicting which direction a reaction shifts

• Determining how changes affect equilibrium concentration

• Comparing shifts in exothermic vs. endothermic reactions

• Interpreting graphical equilibrium data

🌡️ Endothermic vs. Exothermic Shifts

Type of Reaction	Temp ↑ Causes Shift Toward	ΔH Sign
Endothermic	Products	+
Exothermic	Reactants	–

Key DAT Tip: Treat heat as a "reactant" or "product" based on reaction type.

💬 Example DAT-Style Question

In the following reaction:

N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇌ 2NH3(g) + heat

What happens if temperature increases?

✅ Answer: The reaction shifts left (heat added → equilibrium shifts to absorb it).

🎯 Call to Action

Want to drill more DAT-style scenarios like this? Our Adaptive Q-Bank and Visual Vault let you master equilibrium questions with instant feedback.

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✅ Summary

• Le Chatelier’s Principle explains how systems at equilibrium respond to external changes.

• Key triggers: concentration, pressure, temperature.

• Learn to predict shifts and apply them to reaction dynamics.

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