I.

Abstract

II. Keywords
Chemical Equilibrium, LeChâtelier’s Principle, forward reaction, backward reaction,
exothermic, endothermic
III. Introduction
No chemical reaction goes to completion. As the reactants react with each other, products
of their reaction are produce. This is called the forward reaction. When the concentration of
the products becomes large enough, they may react with other to produce the reactants.
This is called the backward or reverse reaction. When the rate of the forward reaction is
equal to the rate of the reverse reaction, chemical equilibrium is achieved. Chemical
equilibrium is a state in which the rate of the forward reaction is equal to rate of backward
reaction (Elauria, Santisteban, Soriano, 2002). In chemical reactions, there are several
conditions that affect it. The response of a reaction at equilibrium to changes in conditions is
summarized by LeChâtelier’s Principle. The LeChâtelier’s Principle states that a system
perturbed from equilibrium shifts its equilibrium position to relieve the applied stress. There
are factors that affect the state of equilibrium of a reaction. These factors are concentration
of the reactants and products, temperature and pressure. Changing the concentration of the
reactant will greatly affect the reaction. If the concentration of the reactants were
increased, the system will adapt by producing more products and the position of the
equilibrium will shift to the right, favoring the formation of the products. However, if the
concentration of the reactants were decreased, the equilibrium will shift to the left and the
reaction will form more reactant.
In a chemical a reaction, the reaction may absorb or release heat. Exothermic reaction is a
chemical reaction that involves the release of heat while endothermic reaction involved the
absorption of heat. The effect of temperature on the equilibrium of a reaction depends on
whether it is an endothermic or an exothermic reaction. If the temperature is increased, an
endothermic reaction will shift it’s equilibrium to the right while an exothermic reaction will
shift it’s equilibrium to the left.
Pressure also affects the equilibrium of a reaction but it is only applicable on gaseous
systems. An increased in pressure will cause the equilibrium of the reaction to shift to the
side of the reaction with the smaller number of moles of gas while a decreased in pressure
will cause the equilibrium to shift to the side of the reaction with the greater number of
moles of gas.
Experimental
A solution is prepared by adding 20 drops of 1 M Fe(NO3)3, 20 drops of 1 M KCNS and 7 ml of
water in a 10-mL test tube. Eight test tubes were labeled from 1 to 8 and ten drops of the
solution prepared were placed on each test tube. The first 6 test tubes were added by
reagents according to the table below:
Table 1. Reagents per Test tube
Test Tube # Reagents
1 Distilled water
2 0.1 M Fe(NO3)3
3 0.1 M KCNS
4 0.1 M KCL
5 0.1 M AgNO3
6 A pinch of NaF
Test tube 2 to test tube 6 was observed using test tube #1 as reference. Changes in intensity
of color were noted. 10 drops of distilled water were added on test tube 7 and 8. Test tube
7 was placed in ice water. It was compared to test tube 1. Observations were noted. Test
tube 8 was heated over a low Bunsen flame. It was also compared to test tube 1.
Observations were noted.

Results
Test Tube # Color (Before) Color (After)
1 Blood-red Lighter blood-red
2 Blood-red Darker blood-red
3 Blood-red Darker blood-red
4 Blood-red Darker blood-red
5 Blood-red Yellow (lighter)
6 Blood-red White (lighter)
7 Blood-red Lighter blood-red
8 Blood-red Lighter blood-red

Discussion
Conclusion and recommendations
References