FACULTY OF CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

BTK1132 CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

SEMESTER I 2023/2024

Title of Experiment : Module 2- Chemical Equilibrium and Le Chatelier’s

Principle

Date of Experiment : 25/10/2023

Instructor’s Name :

Group of Member :

Name
Matric ID

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................................... 3
2.0 METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 APPARATUS AND MATERIALS ............................................................................................ 4
2.2 CALCULATIONS FOR PREPARING SOLUTIONS ............................................................... 4
2.3 FLOWCHART ........................................................................................................................... 8
3.0 RESULTS ..................................................................................................................................... 11
4.0 DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................................... 17
5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................... 20
6.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 21

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Chemical equilibrium is a crucial principle in the field of chemistry. It describes the condition
when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions in a chemical system become equal (Smith,
R., 2018). This leads to a steady concentration of reactants and products, ensuring stability
within the system. The principles of equilibrium constants and Le Chatelier's principle
determine the equilibrium state. These principles offer insight into the system's response to
changes in conditions. (American Chemical Society, 2021) This laboratory experiment
investigates the concept of chemical equilibrium and its fundamental principles.

The purpose of our investigation is to explore the constantly changing nature of chemical
reactions. We also aim to understand factors that affect the equilibrium state ( Johnson, M., &
Brown, S, 2021). Ultimately, our goal is to connect these fundamental principles to real-life
situations. Our ultimate goal is to enhance our comprehension of the equilibrium state and its
possibilities for manipulation by implementing meticulous experimental procedures and
conducting accurate observations. This report provides an overview of the experimental
techniques employed, the analysis of gathered data, and the resulting conclusions derived from
our in-depth exploration of chemical equilibrium in six settings:

i) Part A: The Saturated Sodium Chloride Solution Equilibrium

ii) Part B: The Iron (III) Thiocyanate Ion Equilibrium
iii) Part C: The Acetic Acid Equilibrium
iv) Part D: The Chromate-bichromate Equilibrium
v) Part E: The Bismuth Chloride-Water Equilibrium
vi) Part F: The Cobalt (II) Chloride Equilibrium

1.1 OBJECTIVES

i) To apprehend dynamic equilibrium and Le Chatelier's Principle.

ii) To observe the change of an equilibrium when the concentration of a reactant or product is
altered.
iii) To predict the effect of concentration changes on chemical equilibrium.

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2.0 METHODOLOGY

2.1 APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

Apparatus

i) Test tube rack

ii) A set of 4” and 6” test tubes
iii) Rubber stopper
iv) 100 mL graduated cylinder
v) 250 mL beaker
vi) Stirring rod
vii) Spatula
viii) Weight boat

Materials

i) Distilled water
ii) Sodium chloride (NaCl)
iii) 37% w/w hydrochloric acid
iv) Iron (III) chloride (FeCl3)
v) Potassium thiocyanate (KSCN)
vi) Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
vii) Acetic acid
viii) Methyl orang solution
ix) Sodium acetate (NaC2H3O2)
x) Potassium chromate (K2CrO4)
xi) Nitric acid (HNO3)
xii) Bismuth chloride (BiCl3)
xiii) Cobalt (II) chloride (CoCl2)

2.2 CALCULATIONS FOR PREPARING SOLUTIONS

A. The Saturated Sodium Chloride Solution Equilibrium

Saturated Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Solution

A heap of sodium chloride was added to 50 mL of water until no more salt dissolved. The solution
is saturated when solid precipitates appear, indicating that the solvent (water) is not capable of
dissolving any more solute (sodium chloride).

Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Solution

The highest concentration of hydrochloric acid available at the lab is 37% w/w. This solution was
used for the experiment.

4
B. The Iron (III) Thiocyanate Ion Equilibrium

0.1 M Iron (III) Chloride (FeCl) Solution

𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑛 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑀 × 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉

𝑛 = 0.1 𝑀 × 0.1 𝐿
𝑛 = 0.01 𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑚 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑛 × 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑀𝑊

𝑔
𝑚 = 0.01 𝑚𝑜𝑙 × 162.20
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑚 = 1.622 𝑔 − − − − − −→ 𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑢𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 100𝑚𝐿

0.1 M Potassium Thiocyanate (KSCN) Solution

𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑛 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑀 × 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉

𝑛 = 0.1 𝑀 × 0.1 𝐿
𝑛 = 0.01 𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑚 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑛 × 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑀𝑊

𝑔
𝑚 = 0.01 𝑚𝑜𝑙 × 97.181
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑚 = 0.97181 𝑔 − − − − − −→ 𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑢𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 100𝑚𝐿

3 M Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Solution

𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑛 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑀 × 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉

𝑛 = 3.0 𝑀 × 0.1 𝐿
𝑛 = 0.3 𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑚 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑛 × 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑀𝑊

𝑔
𝑚 = 0.3 𝑚𝑜𝑙 × 39.997
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑚 = 12.00 𝑔 − − − − − −→ 𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑢𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 100𝑚𝐿

50% Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Solution

To make a 50% solution, one part of 3 M of NaOH was added to one part of distilled water
(1:1 ratio).

50% 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 5 𝑚𝐿 𝑜𝑓 3 𝑀 𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 + 5 𝑚𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

3M Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Solution

𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑀 = 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, % × ( ) × 10
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑀𝑊

5
 𝑘𝑔
1.2 3
𝑀 = 37% × ( 𝑚 ) × 10
𝑘𝑔
36.46
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑚𝑜𝑙 3
𝑀 = 12.1777
𝑚

𝑀1 𝑉1 = 𝑀1 𝑉1
(12.18 𝑀)𝑉1 = 3 𝑀 × 0.1 𝐿
(3 𝑀 × 0.1 𝐿)
𝑉1 =
12.18 𝑀
𝑉1 = 0.0246 𝐿 − − − −→ 𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑢𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 100 𝑚𝐿

C. The Acetic Acid Equilibrium

0.1 M Acetic Acid (HC2H3O2) Solution

𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑀 = 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, % × ( ) × 10
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑀𝑊
1.05 𝑔/𝑐𝑚3
𝑀 = 99.8 % × ( ) × 10
60.052 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑀 = 17.44988 𝑀

𝑀1 𝑉1 = 𝑀1 𝑉1
(17.44988 𝑀)𝑉1 = 0.1 𝑀 × 100 𝑚𝐿
(0.1 𝑀 × 100 𝑚𝐿)
𝑉1 =
17.44988 𝑀
𝑉1 = 0.57307 𝑚𝐿

D. The Chromate-bichromate Equilibrium

0.1 M Potassium Chromate (K2CrO4) Solution

𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑛 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑀 × 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉

𝑛 = 0.1 𝑀 × 0.1 𝐿
𝑛 = 0.01 𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑚 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑛 × 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑀𝑊

𝑔
𝑚 = 0.01 𝑚𝑜𝑙 × 194.1896
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑚 = 1.9419 𝑔 − − − − − −→ 𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑢𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 100𝑚𝐿

3 M Nitric Acid (HNO3) Solution

𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑛 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑀 × 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉

𝑛 = 3.0 𝑀 × 0.1 𝐿

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 𝑛 = 0.3 𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑚 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑛 × 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑀𝑊

𝑔
𝑚 = 0.3 𝑚𝑜𝑙 × 63.01
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑚 = 18.903 𝑔 − − − − − −→ 𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑢𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 100𝑚𝐿

3 M Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Solution

𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑛 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑀 × 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉

𝑛 = 3.0 𝑀 × 0.1 𝐿
𝑛 = 0.3 𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑚 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑛 × 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑀𝑊

𝑔
𝑚 = 0.3 𝑚𝑜𝑙 × 39.997
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑚 = 12.00 𝑔 − − − − − −→ 𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑢𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 100𝑚𝐿

E. The Bismuth Chloride-Water Equilibrium

3M Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Solution

𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑀 = 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, % × ( ) × 10
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑀𝑊
𝑘𝑔
1.23
𝑀 = 37% × ( 𝑚 ) × 10
𝑘𝑔
36.46
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑚𝑜𝑙 3
𝑀 = 12.1777
𝑚

𝑀1 𝑉1 = 𝑀1 𝑉1
(12.18 𝑀)𝑉1 = 3 𝑀 × 0.1 𝐿
(3 𝑀 × 0.1 𝐿)
𝑉1 =
12.18 𝑀
𝑉1 = 0.0246 𝐿 − − − −→ 𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑢𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 100 𝑚𝐿

F. The Cobalt (II) Chloride Equilibrium

1 M Cobalt (II) Chloride Solution

𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑛 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑀 × 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒, 𝑉

𝑛 = 1.0 𝑀 × 0.1 𝐿
𝑛 = 0.1 𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑚 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑛 × 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑀𝑊

7
 𝑔
𝑚 = 0.1 𝑚𝑜𝑙 × 129.839
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑚 = 12.9839 𝑔 − − − − − −→ 𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑢𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 100𝑚𝐿

2.3 FLOWCHART

A. The Saturated Sodium Chloride Solution Equilibrium

5mL of saturated sodium chloride (NaCl) was added to a 4” test tube. The appearance was
recorded.

Several drops of concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) were added to the solution. The
observation was recorded.

B. The Iron (III) Thiocyanate Ion Equilibrium

100mL of water was poured to a 250mL beaker. 2mL of 1.0 M iron (III) chloride (FeCl)
solution and 2mL of 0.1 M potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) solution were added to the
beaker. The stock solution was stirred until homogenous. The observation was recorded.

5 mL of stock solution was added in a 4” test tube labelled as ‘Tube 1’. 20 drops of 0.1 M
iron (III) chloride (FeCl3) solution were added to Tube 1. The observation was recorded.

5 mL of stock solution was added in a 4” test tube labelled as ‘Tube 2’. 20 drops of 0.1 M
potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) solution were added to Tube 2. The observation was
recorded.

5 mL of stock solution was added in a 4” test tube labelled as ‘Tube 3’. 5 drops of 3 M
sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution were added to Tube 3. The observation was recorded.

2 drops of 50% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution were added to Tube 2. The observation
was recorded.

5 drops of 3M hydrochloric acid (HCl) was added to Tube 2. The observation was recorded.

8
C. The Acetic Acid Equilibrium

3 mL of 0.1 M acetic acid (HC2H3O2) solution was added to three test tubes labelled as 'Tube
1', 'Tube 2' and 'Tube 3'.

A few drops of methyl orange solution was added to Tube 1, 2 and 3. The solutions were
agitated until homogenous and the observation was recorded.

A few crystals of sodium acetate (NaC2H3O2) was added to Tube 1. The tube was agitated
until the solid dissolved. The observation was recorded.

A few crystals of sodium chloride (NaCl) was added to Tube 2. The tube was agitated until
the solid dissolved. The observation was recorded.

A few drops of 3 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was added to Tube 3. The was agitated until
the solid dissolved. The observation was recorded.

D. The Chromate-bichromate Equilibrium

5 mL of a 0.1 M potassium chromate (K2Cr O4) solution to a 4" test tube. The appearance
was recorded.

3 M nitric acid (HNO3) was added to the test tube one drop of a time until there was a distinct
changes. The observation was recorded.

3 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution was added to the same test tube one drop at a time
until there was a distinct change. The observation was recorded.

9
E. The Bismuth Chloride-Water Equilibrium

2 mL of distilled water was added to a 6" test tube.

1/2 spatula of bismuth chloride (BiCl3) was added to the water. The tube was agitated and the
observation was recorded.

3 M of hydrochloric acid (HCl) was added one drop at a time to the test tube until there was a
distinct change. The observation was recorded.

Water was added to the solutions one drop at a time, with agitation, until there was a
changed. The observation was recorded.

F. The Cobalt (II) Chloride Equilibrium

5 drops of a 1 M cobalt (II) chloride (CoCl2) solution was poured to a 4" test tube. The
appearance was recorded.

12 mL of hydrochloric acid (HCl) was added to test tube one drop at a time, with agitation,
until there was a change. The observation was recorded.

Water was added one drop at a time to the test tube, with agitation, until there was a change.
The observation was recorded.

10
3.0 RESULTS

A. The Saturated Sodium Chloride Solution Equilibrium

Figure 3.1: 5 mL of saturated sodium chloride (NaCl) solution +

concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl)

B. The Iron (III) Thiocyanate Ion Equilibrium

Figure 3.2: 0.1 M iron (III) chloride (FeCl) Figure 3.3: 0.1 M potassium thiocyanate
solution (KSCN) solution

11
Figure 3.4: STOCK SOLUTION = 100 mL Figure 3.5: TUBE 1 = 5 mL of stock solution
water + 2 mL of 0.1 M iron (III) chloride + 20 drops 0f 0.1M iron (III) chloride (FeCl3)
(FeCl) solution + 2 mL of 0.1 M potassium solution
thiocyanate (KSCN) solution

Figure 3.6: TUBE 2 = 5 mL of stock solution Figure 3.7: TUBE 3 = 5 mL of stock solution
+ 0.1 M potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) + 3 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution
solution

12
 Figure 3.8: Comparison Tube 1, 2 and 3 Figure 3.9: TUBE 2 = 5 mL of stock solution
+ 0.1 M potassium thiocyanate (KSCN)
solution + 50% sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
solution

Figure 3.10: TUBE 2 = 5 mL of stock Figure 3.11: Comparison Tube 1, 2 and 3 at

solution + 0.1 M potassium thiocyanate the end of the experiment
(KSCN) solution + 50% sodium hydroxide
(NaOH) solution + 3 M hydrochloric acid
(HCl)

Color Analysis
Added
Added Added Added
Stock 50% Added HCl
FeCl3 KSCN NaOH
Solution NaOH Solution
Solution Solution Solution
Solution
Tube 1 Red Brown - - - -
Tube 2 Red - Orange - Yellow Orange
Tube 3 Red - - Yellow - -

13
C. The Acetic Acid Equilibrium

The figure below shows the result of acetic acid (HC2H302) before and after the experiment:

Figure 3.12: 3mL of acetic acid (HC2H302) + methyl orange (CH14H14N3NaO3S)

in 3 test tube (before experiment)

Figure 3.13: After presence of Figure 3.14: After presence of Figure 3.15: After presence of
sodium acetate (NaC2H3O3) sodium chloride (NaCl) turns 3M sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
turn to yellowish solution to red solution turn to darker yellowish
solution

14
 Added Solute Test tube Observation

Few crystals of sodium The solution color change from orange (initial
Test tube 1
acetate (NaC2H3O2) state) to yellowish color solution (final state).

Few crystals of sodium The solution color change from orange (initial
Test tube 2
chloride (NaCl) state) to red color solution (final state).

The solution color change from orange (initial

Few drops of 3M sodium
Test tube 3 state) to yellowish color solution (final state)
hydroxide (NaOH)
that darker than test tube 1.

D. The Chromate-bichromate Equilibrium

The figure below shows the result of Potassium chromate (K2CrO4) + Nitric acid (HNO3) +
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) throughout the experiment.

Figure 3.16: Potassium Figure 3.17: After adding Figure 3.18: Potassium
chromate (K2CrO4) solution nitric acid (HNO3) chromate (K2CrO4) + sodium
hydroxide (NaOH) + nitric
acid (HNO3)

Added Solute Observation

5 ml of 0.1 M potassium chromate (K2CrO4)
solution
A few drops of 3 M nitric acid (HNO3)
A few drops of 3 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
Light yellow solution.
The light-yellow solution turned orange.
The orange solution turned yellow.

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E. The Bismuth Chloride-Water Equilibrium

The figure below shows the result progress of bismuth chloride-water (BiCl3+H2O) during the
experiment:

Figure 3.19: After presence Figure 3.20: After presence Figure 3.21: After presence
of 2ml water + ½ spatula of of 10 drop of 3M of of water (H2O) one drop at
bismuth chloride (BiCl3) hydrochloric acid (HCl) time

Added Solute Observations

2mL of distilled water &½ spatula of After agitating the solution turned to cloudy white
bismuth chloride (BiCl3) color on figure

10 drops of 3M of Formation of cloudy white color changed to translucent

hydrochloric acid (HCl) (colorless) on figure

White precipitate formed back after few drops of water

Water (H2O) one drop at a time
(H2O)

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F. The Cobalt (II) Chloride Equilibrium

Figure 3.22: 1 M cobalt (II) chloride (CoCl2) Figure 3.23: 5 drops of 1 M cobalt (II) chloride
solution (CoCl2) solution in a 4” test tube

Figure 3.24: 5 drops of 1 M cobalt (II) Figure 3.25: 5 drops of 1 M cobalt (II) chloride
chloride (CoCl2) solution in a 4” test tube + (CoCl2) solution in a 4” test tube + 12 mL
12 mL hydrochloric acid (HCl) hydrochloric acid (HCl) + water

4.0 DISCUSSION

A. The Saturated Sodium Chloride Solution Equilibrium

𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙(𝑆) ⇌ 𝑁𝑎 + (𝑎𝑞) + 𝐶𝑙 − (𝑎𝑞)

Sodium chloride solution appears as a clear and transparent liquid, with visible crystals settled at
the bottom of the test tube. This is a typical feature of a saturated solution, indicating that no more
NaCl could dissolve in the solute at the given temperature.

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 Upon the addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) to the solution, no immediate visible
changes occurred. The solution remained clear and transparent, with no formation of precipitates.
The result implies that NaCl is a stable ionic compound and did not react significantly with HCl
under normal conditions.

B. The Iron (III) Thiocyanate Ion Equilibrium

Stock solution

Fe3+ ion from iron (III) chloride solution and SCN- ion from potassium thiocyanate react with each
other to form a complex ion, Fe(SCN)2+ when mixed. The color produced by the complex ion made
the stock solution appear red.

Molecular equation:
𝐹𝑒𝐶𝑙3 + 𝐾𝑆𝐶𝑁 → (𝐹𝑒𝑆𝐶𝑁)𝐶𝑙2 + 𝐾𝐶𝑙

Ionic equation:
𝐹𝑒 3+ (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑆𝐶𝑁 − (𝑎𝑞) ⇌ 𝐹𝑒(𝑆𝐶𝑁)2+

Tube 1

When more iron (III) chloride is added into the stock solution, the concentration of Fe 3+ ion
increases, causing the equilibrium to shift to the right by more formation of Fe(SCN) 2+ complex
ions. Hence, the solution appears darker (brown).

Tube 2

Same as Tube 1, adding more potassium thiocyanate increases the concentration of SCN- ion in
the solution, and thus causing the equilibrium to shift to the right. The formation of more
Fe(SCN)2+ complex ions makes the solution darker (orange).

Adding sodium hydroxide into the solution decreases the concentration of SCN- ion in the solution,
leading the equilibrium to shift to the left. Hence, causing the solution appears yellow. However,
when hydrochloric acid is introduced in the solution, the equilibrium is restored and leading to an
orange solution again.

Molecular equation:
𝐹𝑒(𝑆𝐶𝑁)3 + 3𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻 → 3𝑁𝑎𝑆𝐶𝑁 + 𝐹𝑒(𝑂𝐻)3

Tube 3

Adding sodium hydroxide into the stock solution in Tube 3 resulted in the formation of Fe(OH)3
(per the above equation) which decreased the concentration of Fe3+ in the solution. Hence, the
solution appears yellow.

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C. The Acetic Acid Equilibrium

During experiment 3 test tube is used with same solution which is 3 mL of 0.1m acetic acid
(HC2H302):

𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂𝐻(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐻2𝑂(𝑙) ⇌ 𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝐻𝑂𝑂 − (𝑎𝑞) + 𝐻 + 3𝑂(𝑎𝑞)

Acetic acid is a weak acid but with water added it becomes equilibrium. Then methyl orange
solution is used in each 3-test tube which acts as pH indicator that conclude either the solution acid
or base depending on result color.

On test tube 1 sodium acetate (NaC2H3O2) added with acetic acid (HC2H3O2):

𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂𝑁𝑎(𝑎𝑞) ⇌ 𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂 − (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑁𝑎 + (𝑎𝑞)

Therefore, when both of these substances agitated concentration of acetate anions increases. Thus,
there will be a decrease of hydronium ions resulting in a pH increase. The solution becomes
yellowish color which it defined as base.

Next, on test tube 2 sodium chloride (NaCl) added along with acetic acid solution:

𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂𝐻 + 𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 → 𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂𝑁𝑎 + 𝐻𝐶𝑙

Since there isn't a particular chemical reaction taking place between the sodium, chloride, acetate,
and hydronium ions, there isn't a major chemical equilibrium created in this instance. The solution
become reddish in color.

Lastly, on test tube 3 few drops of 3m sodium hydroxide (NaOH) added to acetic acid solution:

𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂𝐻(𝑎𝑞) + 𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻(𝑎𝑞) → 𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂𝑁𝑎(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐻2𝑂(𝑙)

Acetic acid is a weak acid while sodium hydroxide is strong base. When both combined the
concentration of hydrogen ions provided by the weak acid drops when NaOH, a strong base, is
added which has result the pH of the solution rises, and it becomes basic. This has turned the orange
solution (initial state) to dark yellowish solution (final state).

D. The Chromatic-bichromatee Equilibrium

When potassium chromate solution, yellow color, is mixed with nitric acid, the reaction per the
equation below happened, resulting in an orange solution:

2𝐾2 𝐶𝑟𝑂4 + 2𝐻𝑁𝑂3 → 𝐾2 𝐶𝑟2 𝑂7 + 2𝐾𝑁𝑂3 + 𝐻2 𝑂

The more acidic the solution, the more equilibrium shifts to the right side of dichromate ions. The
addition of ions hydroxide ion causes the concentration of hydrogen ions to decrease but after
adding 3M of sodium hydroxide the orange solution shift back to yellow which is shows that
hydroxide ions will remove hydrogen ions and the equilibrium will shift to the right side replace

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 the hydrogen ions that were removed. In result it shows the chemical equilibrium can be reversible.

E. The Bismuth Chloride-Water Equilibrium

During the experiment 2ml of distilled water added with ½ spatula of bismuth chloride

𝐵𝑖𝐶𝑙3(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐻2𝑂(𝑙) ⇌ 𝐵𝑖𝑂𝐶𝑙(𝑠) + 2𝐻𝐶𝑙(𝑎𝑞)

When the reaction occurs white precipitate forms because when salt containing chloride ion added
it will shift towards reactant side in accordance with Le Chatelier’s principle. Therefore, the
number of (BiOCl) increases. After that 3M of hydrochloric acid (HCl) dropped 10 times.

𝐵𝑖𝑂𝐶𝑙(𝑠) + 2𝐻𝐶𝑙(𝑎𝑞) ⇌ 𝐵𝑖𝐶𝑙3(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐻2𝑂(𝑙)

After the reaction occurs the observation shows white precipitate re-dissolves because of increases
chloride ion which make it reversible. Lastly, a few drops of water is added in the same solution,
forming white precipitate again.

𝐵𝑖𝐶𝑙3(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐻2𝑂(𝑙) ⇌ 𝐵𝑖𝑂𝐶𝑙(𝑠) + 2𝐻𝐶𝑙(𝑎𝑞)

This experiment shows how chemical equilibrium can be reversible several times.

F. The Cobalt (II) Chloride Equilibrium

During the experiment this equation shows 5 drops of cobalt (II) chloride and 12 ml of hydrochloric
acid:

𝐶𝑂 + 2𝐻𝐶𝑙 → 𝐶𝑂𝐶𝑙2 + 𝐻2

In accordance with Le Chatelier’s principle, the equilibrium will shift to the right forming the blue
complex ion because it raises the chloride ion concentration due to formation of charged
coordination complex between Co2+ and chloride ions. Therefore, after adding a drop of water at
a time it slowly changed color from blue to pale pink again, by adding water it lowers the chloride
ion concentration, moving the equilibrium in the opposite direction. In result, the dehydration and
hydration of cobalt (II) chloride are reversible because by adding water to the anhydrous form can
reform back to hexahydrate.

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In summary, our experiment on chemical equilibrium and Le Chatelier's principle has provided valuable
insights into the dynamic behaviour of chemical systems when they reach a state of equilibrium (Davis,
P.R., 2019). Through a systematic exploration of the effects of temperature, pressure, and concentration
on equilibrium positions, we have deepened our understanding of how these fundamental principles
govern the behavior of chemical reactions. The experiments demonstrated the importance of
maintaining a dynamic balance in closed systems, and how systems respond to changes in external

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conditions. This knowledge has practical applications across various scientific and industrial fields,
from chemical engineering to environmental science (Turnel, L., 2020). Furthermore, our calculations
of equilibrium constants (Kc) have provided a quantitative measure of the equilibrium position,
enabling us to gauge the extent to which reactions favour the formation of products. This quantitative
insight is a valuable tool for understanding and controlling chemical reactions. As we conclude this
experiment, it's evident that the principles of chemical equilibrium and Le Chatelier's principle play a
pivotal role in the world of chemistry. They offer a foundation for predicting and manipulating the
behaviour of chemical systems, and their practical significance cannot be overstated. This experiment
has expanded our appreciation of the complex interplay of factors that underlie chemical equilibria and
their practical applications in a multitude of scientific and industrial endeavors.

As for the recommendations, to help avoid any errors in this experiment:

i) Before starting the experiment, carefully plan each step, including the procedure, materials, and
expected outcomes. Having a well-defined plan will reduce the likelihood of errors during
execution.
ii) We need to use calibrated instruments and measuring devices to ensure accurate data collection.
Always double-check measurements and record the data, including units of measurement.
iii) We need to use high quality chemicals to ensure the purity of chemicals and reagents used in the
experiment, as impurities can lead to unexpected results.
iv) We must follow the proper waste disposal procedures for chemicals and hazardous materials to
minimize the risk of contamination and environmental impact.
v) Encourage collaboration and peer review within the research team to make multiple sets of eyes
on the experiment to help identify errors and ensure the validity of results.

6.0 REFERENCES

American Chemical Society. (2021, November 5). Le Chatelier's Principle. American Chemical
Society. https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-
issues/archive-2015-2016/le-chateliers-principle.html

Smith, R. (2018). Chemical Equilibrium: A Comprehensive Guide. Wiley.

Johnson, M., & Brown, S. (2021). Exploring Le Chatelier's Principle: Equilibrium in Action. Springer.

Davis, P. R. (2019). Equilibrium and Reactivity: Understanding Le Chatelier's Principle (2nd ed.).
McGraw-Hill Education

Turner, L. (2020). Le Chatelier's Principle in Industrial Chemistry. Academic Press.

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