Discussion

Most of the chemical reaction do not undergo to completion that is do not produce 100 %
yield of products. It is possible to change the equilibrium in a desired path by applying a stress to
the system. The Le Chateliers principle states that, When a system at equilibrium is subjected
to a stress, the system will react so as to relieve the stress. Concentration, temperature, and
pressure are some example of stress that can be applied to a system. Le Chateliers principle
states that if the system at equilibrium is disturbed by altering the equilibrium will shift to
minimize the disturbing influence. On this principle, if a reactant or product is added to a system
at equilibrium, the equilibrium will shift to consume the added substance. Conversely, if reactant
or products are removed, the equilibrium will shift to replenish the substance that was removed.
The enthalpy change for a reaction indicates how a change in temperature affects the
equilibrium. For an endothermic reaction an increase in temperature shifts the equilibrium to the
right to absorb the added heat, for exothermic reaction an increase in temperature shifts the
equilibrium to the left. It is important to remember the changes in concentrations, while causing
shifts in the equilibrium positions, do not cause a change in the value of the equilibrium
constant. Only changes in temperature affect the value of equilibrium constants.
Observation
In part A, The equation of the equilibrium in part A experiment is:
KNO3

K + (aq) + NO3- (aq)

= + ve

The colour of the saturated nitrate solution is colourless at beginning of the experiment. When a
crystal of potassium nitrate is added to the solution, it is not dissolve as it already concentrated
with the potassium ion and nitrate ion. Then the solution is cooled down at zero degree celsius.
After 10 minutes we can see there is white crystal produced at the bottom of the test tube. In the
room temperature, the white crystal dissolves.
In part B, the dichromate equilibrium equation:
2 CrO 42- (aq) + 2 H+

Cr2 O72- + H2O (1)

At the beginning of the experiment, the solution in all test tube have orange in colour as
potassium dichromate solution contains dichromate ions which is orange .After added some
drops of sulphuric acid H2SO4 into test tube 2, the solution turns to darker orange. This is
according to the increasing of the H+ in the solution. When sodium hydroxide is added to the test
tube 3, the orange colour turns to yellow. Hydroxide ions react with the hydrogen ions forming
water, driving equilibrium to the right (OH- removes H+ ions by neutralizing them and the system
acts to counteract the change) and further shifting the color. The reaction in test tube 3 is reverse
reaction. After that, 4 drops of sulphuric acid is added to the test tube 3 the color change back to
orange. This is due to the increasing of the H+ ions.
In part C, test solution which is [Fe(SCN)]2- (aq) is yellow in color. It contains ferric ions,
thiocyanate ions and ferrithiocyanate ions in a dynamic equilibrium state. 5.0 mL of test solution
is poured into four test tube, 1,2,3, and 4. In test tube 1, nothing is added, so there is no change of
color of the solution. In test tube 2, 20 drops of iron(III) chloride is added. The color changes
from yellow to blood red. It is because the presence Fe3+ ions increases, producing more
[Fe(SCN)]2- , resulting the solution turn to blood red. Based to the equation, this is a forward
reaction.

) (

In test tube 3, 20 drops of potassium thiocyanate is added and results in color change
from yellow to blood red. It is because the presence SCN- ions increases, producing more
[Fe(SCN)]2- , resulting the solution turn to blood red. Based to the equation, this is a forward
reaction. In test tube 4, 1.0 g of solid potassium chloride is added and the color change from
yellow to pale yellow. It is because there is no more [Fe(SCN)]2- ion present in the solution that
gives the blood red color.
In conducting an experiment involving the preparing of many different solutions, there is
the potential for sources of error. First, the measuring cylinder that we used may have
contaminated with other chemicals causing the chemical that we measured to mix with the
chemicals that left in the measuring cylinder. Next, the measuring cylinder and also the test tube
is not fully dried, there are still a little distilled water left inside it. Consequently, it will disrupt
the reading of the chemicals that we measured. For example, we are measuring 1.0 mL of iron
(III) chloride solution, but there are some distilled water left in the measuring cylinder that
abrupt the reading. 1.0 mL of iron (III) chloride is not fully iron(III) chloride solution, but it is

the mixture of iron (III) chloride solution and water. This could change the intensity of the
equilibrium shift. Besides, the dropper that we used may mix with other different chemicals that
would alter the intensity of the equilibrium system. When observing the color changes of the
indicator, the human eye and perception of color remain a source of error to exactly quantify the
changes occurring.
To overcome the error, some precautionary steps should be taken. First, rinse the
measuring cylinder with distilled water before using it for different chemical that we would like
to measure. Next, make sure the measuring cylinder and the test tubes are fully dried before
being used to avoid inaccurate reading. On the other hand, do not forget to rinse the dropper with
distilled water after using it for some chemicals to avoid the chemicals from being mixed or use
different dropper for different chemicals.
Conclusion
When a system at equilibrium is disturbed by a change in concentration, it will react in
the direction that reduces the change. When the concentration of the ions increases, the intensity
of the color also increases. When the temperature increases, the system shifted right to favor the
product and when the temperature decreases, the reaction shifted left to favor the reactant.
Reflection
Based on the Le Chateliers principle, when a system is subjected to a stress, the system
will react so as to relieve the stress. As a reflection, we assumed the stress as encouragement and
reminder. As a human, we need some encouragement and support in doing something or in order
to achieve our dreams. Mans are created with the best molds as the khalifah of Allah on this
earth as stated in Quran,
It is He Who created you, fashioned you perfectly, and made you with the right
proportions (straightened you up), to walk in an upright position. (Al-Infitar, 82: 7).
Being a servant of Allah without maksum, we are imperfect as we always do mistakes,
careless and forgetful. We always forget to worship and fulfilling our obligations toward our
Almighty Lord, Allah SWT. In a hectic daily routine, we also often forget to salawaat upon The
Prophet, Muhammad SAW. We also do not miss from incitement of Satan to break the

regulations and to not obey Allah SWT and Muhammad SAW. To relate with this experiment,
we apply the same concept of Le Chateliers principle that stated above. We need to remind each
other towards Allah as we are brothers and sisters in Islam. Allah had stated in surah adhdhariyat verse 55 that remind each other on good things gives a lot of benefits to all of us.
And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers. (51:55)
Also in surah Al-Asr, Allah had mentioned to us that the person who advising each other is not
in loss.
By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done
righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience. (103:1-3)
To relate with this experiment, human always need to be advised and reminded to react or
to worship.
Bibliography
Silberberg, M. S. (2013). Chemistry the molecular nature of matter and change (global edition).
Americas, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education, 698-707
Chromate Dichromate Chem Toddler. (n.d.). Retrieved December 9, 2014, from
http://www.chem-toddler.com/chemical-equilibrium/chromatedichromate.html
Nelson, J. H., & Kemp, K. C. (2006). Laboratory Experiment. Chemical Equilibrium:
LeChateliers Principle. Retrieved December 9, 2014, from
http://www.elcamino.edu/faculty/pdoucette/Le-Chateliers-lab.pdf