Le Chatelier’s Principle

“If a system in equilibrium is subjected to a stress, a change that will offset the stress will

occur in the system.”

Le Chatelier’s Principle

“If a ‘stress’ is applied to a system in equilibrium,

the equilibrium condition is upset; a net reaction occurs in that direction

which tends to relieve the ‘stress,’ and a new equilibrium is obtained.”

In equilibrium

Addition to the equilibrium

Out of Equilibrium

Return to equilibrium

Addition to

Equilibrium state

New Change

New Equilibrium

Bicarbonate & Carbonic Acid

H+ HCO3- H2CO3

New Equilibrium

H+ HCO3- H2CO3

H2O + CO2 H+ + HCO3

-

H2O + CO2 H+ + HCO3

-

In ECF around

cells

H2O + CO2 H+ + HCO3

-

high highIn ECF around

cells

H2O + CO2 H+ + HCO3

-

New equilibrium in ECF/ blood

H2O + CO2 H+ + HCO3

-

Moderate levels moderate levels

H2O + CO2 H+ + HCO3

-

Breathe outIn the lungs

H2O + CO2 H+ + HCO3

-

In the lungsEquilibrium correcting

itself

H2O + CO2 H+ + HCO3

-

In the lungs

H2O + CO2 H+ + HCO3

-

Breathe outIn the lungs

H2O + CO2 H+ + HCO3

-

Equilibrium correcting itself

H2O + CO2 H+ + HCO3

-

New Equilibrium in the lungs and

ECF

H2O + CO2 H+ + HCO3

-

In the blood again