The common ion effect refers to the suppression of the ionization of a weak electrolyte when a strong electrolyte containing a common ion is added to the solution. This phenomenon is a direct consequence of Le Chatelier's principle, which shifts the equilibrium to reduce the stress of the added ion.

Common Ion Effect

common ion effect

suppression of the ionization

weak electrolyte

strong electrolyte

common ion

Le Chatelier's principle states that if a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing the conditions, the position of equilibrium shifts to counteract the change, restoring a new equilibrium. This principle helps predict the direction of reaction shifts when variables such as concentration, temperature, or pressure are altered.

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