According to Le Chatelier's Principle, what will happen when a system at equilibrium is subjected to stress?

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Study for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Test your chemistry skills with multiple-choice questions, each providing hints and explanations. Get exam ready!

Le Chatelier's Principle states that if a dynamic equilibrium system is subjected to an external change or "stress," the system will adjust itself in a way that counteracts that stress. This means that if you alter the concentration of reactants or products, change the temperature, or change the pressure, the equilibrium will shift in a direction that reduces or eliminates the effect of that change.

For instance, if a reactant is added, the system will shift toward the product side to consume the excess reactants and restore a new equilibrium. If the temperature is increased in an exothermic reaction, the equilibrium will shift toward the reactants to absorb some of the added heat. This principle demonstrates the system's inherent tendency to maintain balance and stability when faced with external disturbances.

Thus, the correct answer highlights the system's ability to respond and shift to alleviate the stress placed upon it, confirming how dynamic equilibria behave in the face of changes.