What happens to the equilibrium of a redox reaction if a reactant is removed?

Study for the Electrochemical Exam. Learn with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question with hints and explanations. Get well-prepared and confident for your exam!

In a redox reaction, equilibrium is concerned with the balance between the reactants and products. If a reactant is removed from the system, the concentration of that reactant decreases, which disturbs the initial equilibrium established between the reactants and products.

According to Le Chatelier's principle, when a system at equilibrium experiences a change in concentration, pressure, or temperature, it will adjust in a way to counteract that change and re-establish equilibrium. In this case, if the concentration of a reactant is reduced, the system will respond by shifting the reaction towards the products. This shift aims to produce more of the reactant that was removed, thus moving the equilibrium back toward restoration. This process leads to the formation of more products until a new equilibrium is achieved.

The incorrect options each suggest different outcomes that do not align with the principles of chemical equilibria. No restoration of equivalence back to the reactant side occurs; instead, there is maximization of product formation to counter the initial disturbance.

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