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LeChâtelier's Principle in the Sciences
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Abstract
LeChâtelier's principle of chemical equilibrium is actually a very general statement about systems in equilibrium and their behavior when subjected to external force or stress. Although one almost never finds mention of his name or law in other sciences, analogous principles and concepts do exist. In this note we examine some of the similar forms taken by this chemical principle in the fields of physics, geology, biology, and economics. Lenz's law in physics is an example of electromagnetic equilibrium and the geological principle of isostatic uplift concerns mechanical equilibrium. Both are strictly consequences of conservation of energy. LeChâtelier's principle deals with thermodynamic equilibrium and involves both the first and second laws of thermodynamics. The concept of homeostasis in biology and the economic law of supply and demand are both equilibrium-like principles, but involve systems in the steady state. However, all these principles involve the stability of the system under consideration and the analogies presented may be useful in the teaching of LeChâtelier's principle.
Keywords (Audience):
High School / Introductory ChemistryKeywords (Domain):
History / PhilosophyKeywords (Pedagogy):
Analogies / TransferKeywords (Subject):
EquilibriumCiting Articles
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This article has been cited by 1 ACS Journal articles (1 most recent appear below).
Microscopic Description of Le Châtelier's Principle
Igor NovakJournal of Chemical Education2005 82 (8), 1190Microscopic Description of Le Châtelier's Principle
Igor NovakJournal of Chemical Education2005 82 (8), 1190The analysis based on microscopic descriptors (energy levels and their populations) is given that provides visualization of free energies and conceptual rationalization of Le Châtelier's principle. The misconception "nature favors equilibrium" is ...
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- Received: August 03, 2009
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