Memory Aid: Le Chatelier = The Lazy System
Part of Equilibrium (HT) · GCSE GCSE Chemistry revision
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 23 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 10 of 14 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 14
Practice
23 questions
Recall
18 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).
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Equilibrium (HT). That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for Equilibrium (HT)
At dynamic equilibrium, which of the following is true?
Explain the effect of increasing temperature on the position of an equilibrium where the forward reaction is exothermic.
Quick Recall Flashcards
23 questions on Equilibrium (HT) — practise free
Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 18 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.
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