Questions
1. Le Chatelier’s Principle states that if a system at equilibrium is disturbed by a change in
a factor, the system will react to minimize the change, and to achieve a new state of
equilibrium. In the context of the observed colour variations in the five solutions, Le
Chatelier’s Principle helps explore the relationship between the concentrations of
reactants and products in achieving equilibrium. Solution #1, being the darkest, indicates
a high concentration of the product, FeSCN2+, suggesting that the equilibrium position
strongly favours the products rather than the reactants. The very dark colour is a result
of the high initial concentrations of Fe3+ and SCN-, causing the equilibrium to shift far to
the right to achieve a new state of eq’m, according to Le Chatelier’s Principle. On the
other hand, solution #2 appears lightest due to lower initial concentrations of reactants,
since the reactants were diluted with deionized water in the mixture. This lighter colour
reflects a shift in equilibrium slightly to the left, as the system adjusts to the lower
concentrations of reactants. Furthermore, Le Chatelier’s Principle explains why the
colour intensity increases as the initial concentrations of Fe3+ and SCN- increase from
solutions #3 to #5. As the concentrations of reactants increase, the equilibrium position
shifts towards the products’ side to counteract the change. This equilibrium reflects the
system's response to changes in concentration.
2.
Fe3+(aq) SCN-(aq) FeSCN2+(aq)
I 0.002(5.1)=10(cinitial) 0.002(3.9)=10(cinitial) 0
= 0.00102 mol/L = 0.00078 mol/L
C -x -x x
E [Fe3+(aq)] = 0.00102 - x [SCN-(aq)] = 0.00078 - x x = 0.00011
= 0.00102 - 0.00011 = 0.00078 - mol/L
3+
[Fe (aq)] = 0.00091 mol/L 0.00011
[SCN-(aq)] = 0.00067 mol/L
0.00011
Keq = =180.4
0.00091(0.00067)
180.4−179.1.
% difference = × 100 %=0.73 %
179.1
3. To minimize the above error, using more precise measuring instruments, like pipettes or
graduated cylinders with smaller increments could reduce measurement errors.
Additionally, ensuring that students are trained in proper measurement techniques, such
as reading meniscus at eye level and measuring the vials correctly using a ruler, would
help improve the accuracy of overall measurements.
4. a)
Fe3+(aq) SCN-(aq) FeSCN2+(aq)
I initial initial 0
C -x -2x x
E [Fe3+(aq)] = initial - x [SCN-(aq)] = initial - 2x [FeSCN2+(aq)] = x
When the number of moles of SCN- increases in a reaction, there is a corresponding
decrease in the concentration of SCN-, while the concentration of Fe3+ remains unchanged.
Simultaneously, the concentration of FeSCN2+ increases. This relationship is evident in the ICE
table above, where the concentration of SCN- decreases by twice the amount of x, therefore
decreasing the overall concentration. However, the concentration of Fe3+ remains constant
throughout the reaction - the equilibrium concentration is still the initial concentration minus the
value of x.
The concentration of FeSCN2+ is determined by the ratio of the depths of the solutions,
multiplied by the equilibrium concentration of FeSCN2+ for solution #1. Since the equilibrium
concentration of FeSCN2+ for solution #1 is equal to the initial concentration of SCN-, any
increase in the number of moles of SCN- leads to a proportional increase in the concentration of
FeSCN2+, as it directly depends on the initial concentration of SCN-.
170−294
5. % error=¿ ∨×100 %=42.2 %
294
Conclusion
a) The general rule for finding the equilibrium constant value for a reaction is to write the
balanced chemical equation for the reaction, and then construct the equilibrium
expression based on the concentrations of the products over the concentrations of the
reactants, using the number of moles as exponents. The specific equation for this
reaction is Keq = ¿ ¿ .
b) The high percent error of 42.2% in my lab results indicates significant discrepancies
between the expected and actual values of the equilibrium constant for this reaction.
This evidence shows that the lab did not work for me. Possible reasons this lab may not
have worked for me most likely includes measurement errors, and errors when
observing the different solution colours in the lab. Inaccuracies in measuring volumes of
solutions, inaccurate observations, and factors like equipment handling issues could
have all contributed to the large observed error. Additionally, mistakes in performing
calculations or misinterpretation of data could further. To improve the reliability and
accuracy of future labs, it's crucial to address these sources of error by ensuring precise
measurements, maintaining consistent and controlled environmental factors, and
double-checking calculations for accuracy.
Sources of error
One other source of error in this procedure that could have significantly affected my results is
the potential for contamination or impurities in the solutions or equipment used. Contamination
can arise from various sources, such as inadequate cleaning of glassware, improper handling of
solutions, or environmental factors like dust or other airborne particles. Even small amounts of
contaminants can alter the concentrations of reactants and products, leading to inaccuracies in
the calculated equilibrium constant values. To mitigate this source of error, thorough cleaning
and rinsing of all glassware and working in a clean and controlled laboratory environment are
essential precautions. Regular maintenance and calibration of equipment can also help
minimize the impact of contamination on the experimental results.
