Question

What happens when a chemical reaction system is stressed by an 'increase in the concentration of the reactants?

• A. The system shifts to the right toward products.
• B. The system shifts to the left toward reactants.
• C. The system shifts to the right toward reactants.
• D. The system shifts to the left toward products.
• E. The system remains unchanged.

Answer 1

The correct option is A The system shifts to the right toward products.

When a chemical reaction system is stressed by an 'increase in the concentration of the reactants, the system shifts to the right toward products.
The Le Chatelier's Principle states that any change in a substance on one side of the equation, either in concentration, temperature, pressure or volume, results in an equilibrium shift to oppose the change until a new equilibrium is reached.
For example when the reactant concentration is increased, the equilibrium will shift in the forward direction so that more and more reactants will react. This will decrease the reactant concentration.