Additional Questions

1. Why was the white precipitate formed when AgNO3 was added to the solution?
It is because the AgSCN formed when AgNO3 is added to the FeSCN2+ solution. AgNO3 is a colourless
solution, but when Ag+ ions react with reactive ions such as SCN- ions, it will formed white precipitate.
The light yellow colour Fe(NO3)3 that formed in the solution is hard to observe maybe because the
concentration of Fe(NO3)3 that formed is low, depends on the amount that added.

2. Why the tube 5 solution colour is light orange colour?

Actually, the NaNO3 that added do not significantly affect the colour of FeSCN2+ solution, because it
does not directly react with it to form Fe(NO3)3.
Instead, the FeSCN2+ complex that unstable is slowly oxidised and form Fe3+ and SCN-, which does not
form characteristics red colour solution.
Safety Precaution of Experiment
Fe(NO3)3 used in the experiment is the strong oxidizing agent that may cause corrosion to the skin,
eye, and respiratory tract if inhaled or ingested. AgNO3 that was used in the experiment can be toxic
to our body if ingested or inhaled in a large amount of quantity or contact with the skin or eyes.
NaSCN, FeSCN, and AgSCN although not highly toxic, may cause issues if contact with them in a
large amount.

Therefore, the experiment is recommended to conduct in a fume chamber to avoid the harmful gases
released into the environment. We can also experiment with the windows-opened laboratory.
Besides, we should wear personal protective equipment such as lab coats, gloves, and goggles while
experimenting. If the solution is accidentally in contact with the eyes, it should be washed with
water immediately for at least 15 minutes. Safety precautions should be taken to avoid any potential
hazards happen.
Theory of Le Châtelier’s Principle
According to Le Châtelier’s Principle, when a system reaches equilibrium with added external stress,
the system will adjust in such a way as to partially offset the stress, and reach a new equilibrium
position, by forward reaction or reverse reaction of the system.

The external stress is not the chemical solution that is added to the system. Stress is the change in the
experiment condition such as concentration, pressure, and volume, that can cause the balance of the
equilibrium system to shift.

In this experiment, the stress that is applied to the equilibrium system is a change in the concentration
of a solution.