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+HCO 3 - H 2 CO 3

New Equilibrium H+HCO 3 - H 2 CO 3

H 2 O + CO 2 H + + HCO 3 -

In ECF around cells

H 2 O + CO 2 H + + HCO 3 - high high In ECF around cells

H 2 O + CO 2 H + + HCO 3 - New equilibrium in ECF/ blood

H 2 O + CO 2 H + + HCO 3 - Moderate levels moderate levels

H 2 O + CO 2 H + + HCO 3 - Breathe out In the lungs

H 2 O + CO 2 H + + HCO 3 - In the lungs Equilibrium correcting itself

H 2 O + CO 2 H + + HCO 3 - In the lungs

H 2 O + CO 2 H + + HCO 3 - Breathe out In the lungs

H 2 O + CO 2 H + + HCO 3 - Equilibrium correcting itself

H 2 O + CO 2 H + + HCO 3 - New Equilibrium in the lungs and ECF

H 2 O + CO 2 H + + HCO 3 - In the blood again