Le Châtelier's Principle and Equilibrium Lab Assignment
In this lab activity, you will explore how stress applied to a variety of systems at equilibrium will affect the direction in which the system will shift to re-establish equilibrium.
Access the virtual lab through the following link: http://www.harpercollege.edu/tm-ps/chm/100/dgodambe/thedisk/equil/8perform.htm
- Equilibrium and Le Châtelier's Principle Virtual Lab
Equilibrium Equation
When you click on an equilibrium system, the equilibrium equation is given above the image.
Images
- The initial image is of the original solution before the stress has been applied.
- Once the stress has been applied, the image on the left is the original solution and the image on the right represents how the system reacts to the stress applied.
Icons
Click on the following icons to apply stress to the equilibrium system:
- Bunsen burner - Heating
- Beaker with ice - Cooling
- Flask - Adding Chemical Entity
Equilibrium Systems
The following equilibrium systems are to be tested in this lab activity:
- Cobalt
- Ammonium
- Iron thiocyanate
- Chromate
- Nitrogen Dioxide
- Copper Sulfate
Procedure:
- For each equilibrium system to be tested, create a data table that includes a column for predictions, one for observations, and one for chemical entity formed. Write out the equilibrium equation at the top of each table.
- For each stress (heat, cold, chemical) to be applied to the equilibrium system, predict what observable change (i.e. colour change, precipitate, etc.) is expected and in which direction the system will shift to re-establish equilibrium.
- Once you have made a prediction for each stressor, click on the available icons and record your observations.