Final answer:
Le Chatelier's principle explains how a chemical system at equilibrium responds to a disturbance such as changes in concentration, pressure, or temperature. It shifts in a way to counter the stress and restore equilibrium. Concentration changes lead to a shift in the equilibrium position, while pressure and temperature changes may also alter the equilibrium constant (K).
Step-by-step explanation:
Le Chatelier's principle states that when a chemical system at equilibrium experiences a disturbance, it will adjust in a direction that counteracts the disturbance and re-establishes equilibrium. The types of disturbances can include changes in concentration, pressure, or temperature. When concentration changes, the position of equilibrium shifts without changing the equilibrium constant (K); however, changes in pressure or temperature can alter the value of K itself.
For example, if the concentration of a reactant is increased, the system will respond by favoring the reaction that consumes that reactant, thus producing more product to reduce the excess reactant. Conversely, if a product is removed from the system, the equilibrium will shift to produce more product. If the temperature is increased for an exothermic reaction, the system will shift to favor the reverse reaction and consume the excess heat, which acts as a product in this context.