Factors affecting the chemical equilibrium

At the end of this activity, students should be able to:
– use the reaction quotient to determine whether a given system is in chemical equilibrium
– define Le Chatelier's principle
– predict how the addition or removal of reactants or products will affect an equilibrium
– describe, in terms of disturbed chemical equilibrium, the formation of stalagmites and stalactites, tooth decay, and the harmful effects of acid rain on trees
– explain how temperature changes affect chemical equilibrium
– predict the direction of a net reaction induced by a temperature change
– explain why catalysts do not affect the position of equilibrium.