Identify data, plan and perform a first hand investigation to model an equilibrium

reaction.
Equipment
 2 x identical 100mL measuring cylinders, labelled A and B.
 10mL graduated pipette and 2mL graduated pipette
Procedure
A.
1. Put 100mL of water in cylinder A. Cylinder B remains empty.
2. Put 10mL pipette upside down into measuring cylinder A. Place finger tightly over the top
of the
pipette and pull the pipette out (the water should stay in the pipette). Transfer the water to
cylinder
B.
3. Repeat step 2 with a 2mL pipette on cylinder B.
4. Record the volume in each measuring cylinder. Label this as one transfer cycle.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 thirty times, i.e. until 30 transfer cycles have been conducted.
To disturb the equilibrium:
1. Add an extra 15mL of water to cylinder A from above.
2. Complete 20 transfer cycles as above (i.e. repeat steps 2-4 twenty times) and record after
each
cycle.
Results
Eventually, the volumes will remain constant, and the system will reach 'equilibrium'. When
the system is disturbed by adding more water, the system will again reach equilibrium.
Advantages of the Model
 Demonstrates that in equilibriums, there are no macroscopic changes (volume is constant),
but
constant microscopic changes (transfer of water).
 Demonstrates that concentrations of reactants and products (cylinder A and B) remain
constant at
equilibrium.
 Demonstrates Le Chatelier's Principle; equilibrium will minimise a disturbance (adding
more water).
 Demonstrates that equilibrium can only be reached in a closed system.
◦ The model does NOT reach equilibrium if water is constantly added or taken away.
Disadvantages of the Model
 Does not demonstrate forward and backward rates.
 Cannot model other factors that affect equilibrium (temperature/pressure).
Risk Assessment
 IDENTIFY: Glassware (measuring cylinder/pipette).
◦ ASSESS: Can cause cuts if glassware breaks.
◦ CONTROL: Take care when handling glassware. Do not run in the laboratory.