Memory Aid: Le Chatelier = The Lazy System
Part of Equilibrium (HT) — GCSE Chemistry
This memory aid covers Memory Aid: Le Chatelier = The Lazy System within Equilibrium (HT) for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Equilibrium (HT) in Rates of Reaction for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 10 of 13 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
Topic position
Section 10 of 13
Practice
20 questions
Recall
15 flashcards
🧠 Memory Aid: Le Chatelier = The Lazy System
Think of the equilibrium system as lazy and oppositional — it always does the opposite of what you try to do to it:
- Add heat? → System absorbs heat (endothermic direction)
- Remove heat? → System releases heat (exothermic direction)
- Add reactant? → System uses it up (shifts to products)
- Increase pressure? → System reduces molecules (smaller side)
The system is like a teenager asked to do chores — it always does the opposite of what you want! Whatever change you make, it tries to undo it.
For pressure specifically: COUNT the gas molecules on each side. High pressure shifts to the side with fewer gas molecules (because that reduces pressure).