Chemistry: Le Chatelier’s Principle

Inquiry Question
An Exercise in Stress - Applying Le Chatelier’s Principle (Lab Analysis)

Name: Date:

Example equilibrium:
N2(g) + 3H2(g) ↔ 2NH3(g)
From the graph above, it can be seen that the system is at equilibrium for the first two minutes.
Then at the 2min mark a stress is applied (some H2 is removed). Following that the equilibrium
shifts left, which is indicated by the curved sections. Note that the height of the curves is in a 1:3:2
ratio, which matches the mole ratio in the equation. After 4 minutes the system has re-established
equilibrium. Ideally the Keq value calculated from E1 and E2 would be the same, but there are
often sources of error, and other factors, in lab situations.

Le Chatelier's Principle tells us that when an equilibrium system is stressed, the reaction will shift
to reduce the effect of the stress and try to re-establish equilibrium. Changes in pressure, volume,
concentration, and temperature offer “stresses” that create a disturbance to the system. The goal of
this lab is to apply your knowledge of Le Chatelier’s Principle and equilibrium to interpret a
Concentration vs Time graph. You will use the graph and predict the stress that occurred to cause
the changes in the graph. You will also calculate Keq based on equilibrium concentrations read off
the graph.

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 Chemistry: Le Chatelier’s Principle

Procedure
NOTE: This activity involves analyzing data from a lab. You do NOT need to actually do this
experiment.

Examine the Concentration vs Time Plot and label each of the following:

1. Initial Conditions
2. Equilibriums (4 locations – label them E1 through E4). These occur when the graphs flatten.
3. Stresses applied (3 locations – label them S1 through S3).
4. Make an ICE table for each change and calculate the Keq for each equilibrium

This lab analysis will look at the equilibrium of:

CO(g) + Cl2(g)  COCl2(g) + 220 kJ

Data

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 Chemistry: Le Chatelier’s Principle

Questions and Analysis

First Equilibrium (E1)

1. Look at the initial conditions and the changes leading to the first equilibrium. Set up an ICE
table using these values. Estimate all concentrations to one decimal place.

CO(g) + Cl2(g)  COCl2(g)

I (Initial)
C (Change)
E (Equilibrium)

2. Calculate Keq at the first equilibrium.

3. What were the initial rates of the forward and reverse reactions, and how did those rates
change as the first equilibrium was being established?

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 Chemistry: Le Chatelier’s Principle

Second Equilibrium (E2)

4. Look at the first equilibrium and the changes leading to the second equilibrium. Set up an ICE
table using these values. Estimate all concentrations to one decimal place.

CO(g) + Cl2(g)  COCl2(g)

I (Initial)
C (Change)
E (Equilibrium)

5. Calculate Keq at the second equilibrium.

6. What change led to the stress at 2 minutes? There may be more than one possible answer. Explain
your reasoning and be specific. For example if you think the stress was a change in temperature
indicate if the temperature was raised or lowered and explain how you know.

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 Chemistry: Le Chatelier’s Principle

Third Equilibrium (E3)

7. Look at the second equilibrium and the changes leading to the third equilibrium. Set up an
ICE table using these values. Estimate all concentrations to one decimal place.

CO(g) + Cl2(g)  COCl2(g)

I (Initial)
C (Change)
E (Equilibrium)

8. Calculate Keq at the third equilibrium.

9. What change led to the stress at 4 minutes? There may be more than one possible answer. Explain
your reasoning and be specific. For example if you think the stress was a change in temperature
indicate if the temperature was raised or lowered and explain how you know.

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 Chemistry: Le Chatelier’s Principle

Fourth Equilibrium (E4)

10. Look at the third equilibrium and the changes leading to the fourth equilibrium. Set up an
ICE table using these values. Estimate all concentrations to one decimal place.

CO(g) + Cl2(g)  COCl2(g)

I (Initial)
C (Change)
E (Equilibrium)

11. Calculate Keq at the fourth equilibrium.

12. What change led to the stress at 6 minutes? There may be more than one possible answer. Explain
your reasoning and be specific. For example if you think the stress was a change in temperature
indicate if the temperature was raised or lowered and explain how you know.

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 Chemistry: Le Chatelier’s Principle

13. How would Keq change in each region if a catalyst was added to the system?

14. Keq is the equilibrium constant. Does it change in this lab? If so, what could have caused all the Keq
values to be different in this equilibrium system?

Taking it further
Imagine you are setting up a factory to create COCl2 using the reaction in this lab. What conditions would
you create in order to maximize the production of COCl2 ?

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