What is the equilibrium constant?

The equilibrium constant is the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants, each raised to the power of their stoichiometric coefficients. For reversible reactions.

What is Le Chatelier’s principle NCERT?

If the conditions of equilibrium are changed, it shifts to oppose the change. For example, in Haber's process, high pressure favors NH? formation.

What is dynamic equilibrium?

It happens in reversible reactions when the rate of the forward reaction becomes equal to the rate of the backward reaction. Result in the same concentration of reactants and product.

Factors Affecting Equilibria: Definition, Types, Factors & Class 11 Notes

Updated on Sep 12, 2025 16:43 IST

By Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

In dynamic equilibrium, the rate of reaction in the forward and reverse is the same. This delicate balance is affected by many external factors. Le Chatelier's Principle states that if the system at equilibrium is disturbed, then it will adjust itself in such a way that it reduces or counteracts the effect of the change.

Chemical equilibrium can be affected due to key factors such as temperature, pressure, concentration and presence of a catalyst. Knowledge of factors affecting the equilibrium is important to master industrial processes like the Haber process. Also, you can surpass in the board exams and competitive tests like JEE and NEET. Check the article and know in detail about the factors affecting equilibria.

Table of content

What is Chemical Equilibrium?
Types of Equilibrium
Factors Affecting Chemical Equilibria

What is Chemical Equilibrium?

Chemical Equilibrium is a state where the rate of forward and backwards reactions is equal. This is applicable in a reversible chemical reaction. At this point, the concentration of products and reactants is constant over time.

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NCER Class 11 notes	NCERT Class 11 Physics
Chemistry Class 11 NCERT notes	Class 11Maths notes

Key Feature of Chemical Equilibrium

Occurs in reversible reactions
The system seems to be at rest, but it is in dynamic equilibrium ( reactions still proceed).
Concentration, temperature, and pressure are the factors that affect the equilibrium.
Chemical equilibrium is expressed in the equilibrium constant (Kc or Kp).

Types of Equilibrium

Equilibrium is of various types based on the physical state of the reactants and products involved in reactions. The main types of equilibrium are:

Homogeneous Equilibria: It is a state in a chemical reaction where all reactants and products are in the same phase, typically gaseous or aqueous.
Heterogeneous Equilibria: A state in a chemical reaction with more than one phase is called a heterogeneous equilibrium. For example, the equilibrium between water vapour and liquid water in a closed container.
Physical Equilibrium: It is a state where no chemical reaction is involved. Only physical changes like boiling, dissolving and melting.

Also read: NCERT Solution | Class 11 Chemistry NCERT Solution

Factors Affecting Chemical Equilibria

Various external factors affect the position of a chemical equilibrium. The concentration of products and reactants in a reversible reaction is affected by these changes. The major factors affecting the equilibria are mentioned below:

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NCERT Class 12 notes	NCERT Class 12 Chemistry notes
NCERT Class 12 Maths notes	NCERT Class 12 Physics

Major Factors Affecting Equilibrium.

Change in Concentration: Addition or removal of products or reactions moves the equilibrium to restore balance. Examples: when the reactant concentration increases moves the equilibrium to the right.
Temperature: The effect of temperature is based on whether the reaction is endothermic or exothermic. Example: an exothermic reaction increases in temperature shifts the equilibrium to the left, and in an endothermic reaction, it shifts to the right.
Pressure (for gaseous system only): The equilibrium position is affected on both sides when the number of moles of gas is different on both sides.