If a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing the conditions, the position of equilibrium shifts to counteract the change to reestablish equilibrium. If a chemical reaction is at equilibrium and experiences a change in pressure, temperature, or concentration of products or reactants, the equilibrium shifts in the opposite direction to offset the change. This page covers changes to the position of equilibrium due to such changes and discusses briefly why catalysts have no effect on the equilibrium position.
For example, if the system is changed in a way that increases the concentration of one of the reacting species, it must favor the reaction in which that species is consumed. In other words, if there is an increase in products, the reaction quotient, Qc, is increased, making it greater than the equilibrium constant, Kc.
