STUDENT HANDOUT

15B – LE CHÂTELIER’S PRINCIPLE

What are the effects on a reversible reaction in equilibrium when the concentration or temperature is
changed?

 Beakers, 250-mL (2)  1 M KOH, 10 mL

 Graduated cylinders, 10-mL (2)  Solid K3PO4, 5 g
 Test tubes, 20 mm x 150 mm (7)  0.1 M KSCN, 10 mL
 Test tube rack  0.01 M KSCN, 10 mL
 Heater stirrer  Ice
 0.1 M Fe(NO3)3, 10 mL  Wash bottle with distilled water
 0.01 M Fe(NO3)3, 10 mL

Equilibrium is established when the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse
reaction. When equilibrium is established the ratio of products-to-reactants can be determined and
expressed as an equilibrium constant, K. When K is large, there is a high concentration of products
relative to the concentration of reactants. When K is small, there is a high concentration of reactants
relative to the products. It is possible, however, to disturb the equilibrium, resulting in a change in the
ratio. In this investigation, you will create an equilibrium solution using iron(III) ions and thiocyanate
ions:

Fe3+(aq) + SCN–(aq) ⇄ FeSCN2+(aq)

pale yellow    clear    red/orange         
You will then disturb the equilibrium in a variety of ways.

Follow these important safety precautions in addition to your regular classroom procedures.
 Wear safety goggles at all times.
 Report and clean up all chemical spills as directed by your teacher.

1. Label seven clean test tubes with the numbers 1 through 7.

2. Put about 150 mL of water into a 250-mL beaker. Put the beaker on the heater stirrer and set the heat
to medium. This is a hot water bath that will be used later in the experiment.

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 STUDENT HANDOUT

3. Into test tube #1, add 2 mL of 0.01 M Fe(NO3)3 and 2 mL of 0.01 M KSCN. Mix thoroughly.
Describe the color change in Table 1 on your answer sheet and keep this test tube as your control.
You will compare all the other test tubes with this control.

4. Prepare 6 additional identical test tubes. Place 2 mL of 0.01 M Fe(NO 3)3 and 2 mL of 0.01 M KSCN
and mix thoroughly. If one test tube does not match the control test tube, discard it and prepare it
again.

5. In test tube #2, add 2-3 drops of 0.1 M KSCN and mix thoroughly. Record your observations
relative to the control in Table 1.

6. In test tube #3, add 2-3 drops of 0.1 M Fe(NO3)3 and mix thoroughly. Record your observations.

7. In test tube #4, add 2-3 drops of 1 M KOH and mix thoroughly. Record your observations.

8. In test tube #5, add a few small pieces of solid K 3PO4 and mix thoroughly. Record your
observations.

9. Create an ice bath by filling a 250-mL beaker with water and ice. Place test tube #6 in the ice bath
for 2-3 minutes. Record your observations.

10. Place test tube #7 in the hot water bath your set up earlier. Leave the test tube in the hot water bath
for 2-3 minutes. Record your observations.

11. Dispose of the material according to your instructor.

Complete the analysis on your answer sheet.

Answer the questions on your answer sheet.

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