Exception to the Le Chatelier Principles

Authors

  • David S. Corti Purdue University
  • Elias I. Franses Purdue University

Abstract

The ammonia synthesis reaction provides an interesting and well-known exception to the principle of Le Chatelier. We present a new analysis of this exception that is conceptually more straightforward than previous approaches. We consider in what direction the reaction shifts for both infinitesimal and finite changes from an initial equilibrium state. We also discuss a corrected general statement of Le Chatelier's Principle.

Author Biographies

David S. Corti, Purdue University

David 5. Corti is Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University. His research interests include molecular thermodynamics of liquids (both stable and metastable), glasses, and complex fluids, droplet condensation and bubble nucleation, and the development of molecular simulation algorithms. He teaches courses on Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics.

Elias I. Franses, Purdue University

Elias I. Franses is Professor of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University. His research interests include adsorption equilibria and dynamics of surfactants and proteins at air/water interfaces, with applications to lung surfactants, and the surface chemistry and physics of adsorbents at liquid/solid interfaces, for bioseparations. He teaches courses on Colloidal and lnterfacial Phenomena, Thermodynamics, and Chemical Reaction Engineering.

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Published

2003-09-01

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 4 (2003): Fall 2003

Section

Manuscripts