What does it mean to shift a chemical equilibrium? For example,
the equilibrium shifts to the left …
I don't understand that.
Answer
Probably you are having problems with Le Chatelier's Principle.
Suppose you have an equilibrium established between four substances $\ce{A}$, $\ce{B}$, $\ce{C}$ and $\ce{D}$.
What would happen if you changed the conditions by increasing the concentration of $\ce{A}$?
According to Le Chatelier, the position of equilibrium will move in such a way as to counteract the change. That means that the position of equilibrium will move so that the concentration of $\ce{A}$ decreases again - by reacting it with $\ce{B}$ and turning it into $\ce{C + D}$. The position of equilibrium moves to the right. Of course, this assumes that there is still some amount of $\ce{B}$ left in the reaction vessel.
For better understanding, refer this.
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