Shift of Equilibrium

A shift of equilibrium occurs when the balance point of a reversible reaction changes due to external factors such as temperature, pressure, or concentration. In a chemical system at equilibrium, the forward and reverse reactions happen at the same rate. When conditions change, this balance adjusts by favoring one direction over the other, effectively moving the equilibrium position. For example, increasing temperature might favor the endothermic reaction direction, shifting equilibrium accordingly. This concept helps explain how reactions respond to environmental changes, maintaining a new balance point without abrupt changes.