How does dilution affect a reaction at equilibrium involving aqueous solutions?

How does dilution affect a reaction at equilibrium involving aqueous solutions?

Step 1: Understand that a reaction at equilibrium has a balance between reactants and products.
Step 2: Know that dilution means adding more water to the solution, which decreases the concentration of both reactants and products.
Step 3: Remember Le Chatelier's Principle, which states that if a change is made to a system at equilibrium, the system will adjust to counteract that change.
Step 4: When the concentration of reactants and products decreases due to dilution, the system will try to increase the concentration of reactants.
Step 5: Therefore, the equilibrium will shift to the left, meaning it will produce more reactants to restore balance.

Le Chatelier's Principle – A principle stating that if a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, temperature, or pressure, the system will adjust to counteract that change and restore a new equilibrium.
Equilibrium Shift – The movement of the equilibrium position in response to changes in concentration, which can favor either the formation of reactants or products.
Dilution Effects – The process of reducing the concentration of solutes in a solution, which can impact the position of equilibrium in a chemical reaction.