Le Chatelier's Principle describes the manner in which a chemical system at equilibrium responds to changes in concentration, volume/pressure and temperature. These changes are known as stresses.

Le Chatelier's Principle is important because it allows us to predict the response of a chemical system to an imposed change. This principle states that, when a chemical equilibrium is disturbed, the system reacts to oppose the change by shifting the position of equilibrium. An equilibrium system undergoes a shift to a new equilibrium by favouring either the forward or the reverse reaction until equilibrium has been re-established.

Equilibrium systems can be manipulated to maximize product yield. From a technological perspective, this is very desirable because it increases the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of many industrial processes.

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