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Temperature Effects on Iron Thiocyanate Keq

This Chemistry Internal Assessment investigates the correlation between temperature and the equilibrium constant (Keq) of the iron (III) thiocyanate complex reaction. The study employs a spectrophotometer to measure absorbance changes at various temperatures, hypothesizing that increasing temperature will decrease the Keq value due to the exothermic nature of the reaction. The methodology includes preparing standard solutions, establishing a calibration curve, and analyzing the effect of temperature on the equilibrium system's color change.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
99 views14 pages

Temperature Effects on Iron Thiocyanate Keq

This Chemistry Internal Assessment investigates the correlation between temperature and the equilibrium constant (Keq) of the iron (III) thiocyanate complex reaction. The study employs a spectrophotometer to measure absorbance changes at various temperatures, hypothesizing that increasing temperature will decrease the Keq value due to the exothermic nature of the reaction. The methodology includes preparing standard solutions, establishing a calibration curve, and analyzing the effect of temperature on the equilibrium system's color change.

Uploaded by

nylekim17
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Chemistry Internal Assessment

Examination of the correlation between temperature and the equilibrium constant of the
iron (III) thiocyanate complex reaction

Word Count: 2959

May 2025

Candidate Number:
1.​Introduction
1.1 Research Question
Research Question: “How do fluctuations in temperature correlate with the determination of the
equilibrium constant of iron (III) thiocyanate complex equilibrium reaction?”

1.​Background Information
Reversible reactions are chemical reactions in which the products that are formed simultaneously
react to produce the original reactants (Britannica). This reaction occurs due to enthalpy and
entropy favouring opposite sides, which concludes when a balance is struck between the
potential energy within the bonds and its tendency to disperse and dilute (Lower, 2022). In a
chemical equilibrium, the two opposing directions of the reaction possess equal rates of reaction,
resulting in a net zero change in the amounts of substances involved (Britannica). Thus, an
equilibrium system can be represented with the following equation:
𝑎𝐴 + 𝑏𝐵 ⇔ 𝑐𝐶 + 𝑑𝐷
Where:
-​ Capitalized letters: reactants and products at equilibrium
-​ Lowercase letters: Corresponding stoichiometric coefficients

A system at equilibrium is positioned with respect to the amounts of reactants and products in the
system, which is represented by the equilibrium constant Keq. The Keq expresses the ratio between
the concentrations of reactants and products, and can be calculated using the following formula:
𝑐 𝑑
[𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑠] [𝐶] [𝐷]
𝐾𝑒𝑞 = [𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠]
= 𝑎 𝑏
[𝐴] [𝐵]
Following Le Chatelier’s Principle, changes in one of the variables that describe a system at
equilibrium would produce a shift in the equilibrium in order to minimize such stress (Bodner
Research Web). Some common stressors include changes in concentration of reactants and
products, pressure, volume and temperature. However, temperature is the only stress that is able
to alter Keq, as it directly affects the chemical kinetics and thermodynamics of the equilibrium
system at a molecular level. However, due to the dynamic nature of equilibrium systems and
other experimental limitations, it is difficult to measure the concentration of reactant and product
species at equilibrium. Thus, colourful reactions tend to be favored, as it clearly displays the
favored direction of the equilibrium as well as allowing for observation techniques only available
for coloured equilibrium systems.

In this investigation, the complex ion of iron (III) thiocyanate will be used to explore the effect
of temperature on the Keq value:
Fe³⁺ + SCN⁻ ⇌ FeSCN²⁺
Pale Yellow Colourless Blood red
This complex ion has a noticeable blood red colour, which differs from the pale yellow colour of
the Fe+3 ions and the colourless SCN- ions. Thus, in this equilibrium system, a colour shift to a
darker blood red signifies that the reaction has shifted towards the products, with a higher
concentration of FeSCN2+, while a colour shift to a clear pale yellow indicates that the reaction

1
has shifted to produce a greater concentration of Fe+3 and SCN-. This noticeable colour change
can be used in conjunction with Beer-Lambert’s Law, which states that there is a linear
relationship between the absorbance of green light and concentration of FeSCN2+, as green is the
complementary colour to the red solution of FeSCN2+(Edinburgh Instruments). Thus, Part 1 of
this investigation will generate the calibration curve by measuring the absorbance of green light
of five FeSCN2+ solutions with known concentrations. This calibration curve will be used in Part
2 of the investigation, as it can be used to determine the unknown concentration of FeSCN2+ at
equilibrium and how Keq changes as a temperature stress is induced in the solution. Since the
reaction of Fe+3 ions reacting with SCN- to produce FeSCN2+ is exothermic in the forward
direction, increasing the temperature will cause the reaction to shift to the reactants, as the
system will favour the reverse reaction in an attempt to dissipate the heat (Harper College).
When the new equilibrium is reached, the reaction will have more reactants than products which
consequently lowers the Keq value as temperature increases.

Additionally, the Van’t Hoff equation is able to quantitatively describe the relationship between
change in temperature and Keq value (Tuckerman, 2022). The Van’t Hoff equation is given by the
following equation:
𝐾 ∆𝐻
θ
1 1
𝑙𝑛( 𝐾2 ) =− 𝑅
(𝑇 − 𝑇1
)
1 2

Where:
-​ K1 & K2: Equilibrium constants at temperature T1 and T2
-​ ΔHθ: Standard enthalpy change
-​ R: Gas constant (8.31 J K-1 mol-1)
-​ T1 & T2: Absolute temperatures in Kelvin
The Van’t Hoff equation shows that the relationship between ln(K) and 1/T is linearly related,
with the standard enthalpy change determining the gradient.

Thus it is hypothesized that increasing the temperature of the equilibrium of FeSCN2+ will lead to
its Keq value exponentially decreasing, following the Van’t Hoff equation.

2.​Methodology
2.1 Variables
Independent Variable: Temperature of iron (III) thiocyanate complex (10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°
Celsius). The chosen temperature intervals will be achieved using common equipment like water
baths and hot plates which provide sufficient data points to observe trend shifts in
concentrations. Additionally, the 20°C temperature point is close to room temperature, allowing
comparison to published literature values.
Dependent Variable: Keq value of iron (III) thiocyanate complex. As outlined above,
temperature is the only imposed stress that is able to alter the Keq value of an equilibrium system.

2
Thus, the Keq will be investigated using a spectrophotometer and a calibration curve in order to
determine the concentration (mol dm-3) of FeSCN2+ at equilibrium.

Table 1. Controlled Variables


Variable Reason for control Method of control

Temperature (Part ●​ The exothermic nature of the reaction ●​ Investigation conducted at


1) would shift the equilibrium, thus room temperature (25°C)
altering the intensity of the colour
produced. This would affect the
calibration curve of the reaction.

Volume of ●​ The FeCl3 solution must be excess in ●​ Diluted to desired


FeCl3(aq) Solution order to shift the equilibrium to the concentration using
(Part 1) products, providing a known 100.00 mL volumetric
concentration of FeSCN2+ solution. flask and 1.00 mL pipette.

Period of water ●​ The solution must shift to the new ●​ Each solution was given a
bath equilibrium after it has been moment to adjust to the
introduced to the temperature stress new equilibrium before
before transferred into the taking its absorbance
spectrophotometer. data.

Methodological Considerations: As mentioned in the background information, the colourful


nature of the reaction creates various opportunities for measurement of concentrations. The use
of a spectrophotometer for its non-destructive analysis, high sensitivity, and ability for
continuous monitoring make it an ideal choice for quantifying equilibrium systems with coloured
species. The temperature was chosen due to it being easily achievable in a high school setting
using ice baths and hot plates, as well as the range being wide enough to observe any noticeable
changes in the Keq. A wider temperature range would provide a better observation of the Van’t
Hoff equation and its non-linear relationship, however factors such as safety concerns,
equipment limitations and time constraints obstruct this possibility. Thus, 10-50°C temperature
range with 10°C intervals will be chosen for this investigation.

2.2 Procedure

2.2.1 Materials List


-​ Iron (III) Chloride (FeCl3) ​ ​ ​ ​ - 2 x Thermometer
-​ Potassium thiocyanate (KSCN)​ ​ ​ - 1 x Vernier Spectrophotometer
-​ Distilled water ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ - 7 x Cuvette
-​ 1 x Ice bath ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ - 3 x 1.00 (± 0.005 mL) pipette
-​ 1 x Hot plate ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ - 1 x Microfibre cloth
-​ 4 x 100mL beaker​ ​ ​ ​ ​ - 6 x Test tubes
-​ 1 x 100mL graduated cylinder ​ ​ ​ - 1 x Test tube holder
-​ 1 x 1000mL beaker ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ - 1 x Safety goggles

3
2.2.2 Safety, Ethical, Environmental Considerations
-​ Safety: FeCl3, KSCN and FeSCN2+ are skin irritants. Wear protective gloves, clothes and
eye protection to avoid any accidental contact. In case of skin or eye contact, wash
thoroughly with soap and water. Ensure adequate ventilation and air handling systems are
operational (WHMIS).
-​ Ethical: Minimize the use of toxic chemicals if possible, and follow established safety
guidelines.
-​ Environmental: Follow proper disposal procedures to prevent chemical pollution of the
environment and local ecosystems.

2.2.3 Part 1: Standard Solution and its Absorbance


1.​ Prepare solutions: the 0.002M KSCN solution is prepared by mixing 0.20g of KSCN and
1L of distilled water.
*1L of distilled water can be accurately prepared by combining 10 x 100mL
measurements of a graduated cylinder into a 1000mL beaker*
2.​ Prepare solutions: the 0.2M FeCl3 solution is prepared by mixing 3.24g of FeCl3 and
100mL of distilled water.
3.​ Using the solutions created from step 1 and 2, create five unique standard solutions with
the following concentrations in five test tubes using two 1.00 mL (± 0.006 mL)
graduated pipette (table 2).
Table 2. Standard Solutions
Standard Volume of Volume of Volume of Total volume Final
Solutions 0.2M Fe3+ 0.002M SCN- distilled H2O in solution concentration of
(± 0.006 mL) (± 0.006 mL) (± 0.006 mL) (± 0.006 mL) FeSCN

A 5.00 15.0 0 20.0 ex) m1v1=m2v2


(m1v1)/v2 = m2
(0.015·0.002)/0.02
= 0.0015

B 5.00 13.0 2.00 20.0 0.0013

C 5.00 11.0 4.00 20.0 0.0011

D 5.00 9.00 6.00 20.0 0.0009

E 5.00 7.00 8.00 20.0 0.0007


4.​ Calibrate the spectrophotometer with a cuvette with distilled water.
5.​ Add a sample of each standard solution from table 1 into 5 separate cuvettes, filling it
about ¾ of each cuvette.
6.​ Measure and record the absorbance of each solution three times at its peak wavelength
and measure its average.

4
7.​ Using the absorbance data collected, plot the calibration curve of the FeSCN2+ ions, with
[FeSCN2+] on the X-axis and its corresponding absorbance on the Y-axis.
8.​ Generate a line of best fit, and determine its corresponding linear equation.

2.2.4 Part 2: Equilibrium Solution and its Absorbance


1.​ Prepare solutions: the 0.01M KSCN solution is prepared by mixing 0.10g of KSCN and
100mL of distilled water.
2.​ Prepare solutions: the 0.01M FeCl3 solution is prepared by mixing 0.16g of FeCl3 and
100mL of distilled water.
3.​ Using the solutions created from step 1 and 2, create the equilibrium solution with the
following volumes using two separate 5.00 mL graduated pipette.
Equilibrium Solution: 10.0mL 0.01M FeCl3 + 10.0mL 0.01M KSCN
4.​ Calibrate the spectrophotometer with distilled water, filling about ¾ of the cuvette.
5.​ Prepare the hot plate water bath and ice water bath, use a thermometer to set desired
temperature (figure 3).
Figure 3. Hot plate and ice water bath diagram

Source: [Link]
6.​ Place the test tube in the water bath, and allow the solution to also reach the desired
temperature.
7.​ Add a sample of the equilibrium solution into a cuvette, filling it about ¾ of a cuvette.
8.​ Measure and record the absorbance of each solution three times at its peak wavelength
and measure its average.
9.​ Repeat steps 5 to 8 at different temperatures (10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C) adjusting
the temperature of the hot plate water bath.

2.2.5 Waste Handling and Clean Up


1.​ Dispose every solution containing FeCl3, KSCN and FeSCN2+ into pre-labelled waste
beakers.
2.​ Clean each apparatus used thoroughly, follow proper cleaning procedures.
*The solutions used in this investigation should never reach drains/sewers/waterways (WHMIS).

5
3.​Analysis
3.1 Qualitative Data
Part 1:
●​ FeCl3 is pale yellow in solution with distilled water, while KSCN is clear and colourless
in solution.
●​ Reacting the two solutions immediately turned the solution (FeSCN2+) blood red in
colour.
●​ Lowering the volume of KSCN and increasing the volume of distilled water led to the
solution becoming lighter in intensity.
Part 2:
●​ Noticeable difference in colour between the solutions placed in the 10°C and 50°C water
baths. 50°C equilibrium solution had a slightly lighter and less intense blood red colour.

3.2 Raw Data


Table 3. Raw quantitative data of standard solutions
Solution [FeSCN2+] Absorbance (AU)

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average

A 0.0015 1.35 1.33 1.34 1.34

B 0.0013 1.05 1.02 1.04 1.04

C 0.0011 0.94 0.95 0.91 0.93

D 0.0009 0.79 0.77 0.78 0.78

E 0.0007 0.54 0.53 0.53 0.53


Table 4. Raw quantitative data of equilibrium solutions
Solution Absorbance (AU)
Temperature (°C)
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average

10 1.85 1.87 1.82 1.85

20 1.65 1.73 1.83 1.74

30 1.65 1.84 1.80 1.76

40 1.64 1.83 1.77 1.75

50 1.60 1.63 1.72 1.65

6
3.3 Processed Data
As outlined in the introduction, the Beer-Lambert Law is utilized to generate a calibration curve
between the concentration of FeSCN2+ and its absorbance of green light. The data from table 3 is
used to generate the calibration curve (figure 2).

Figure 2. Relationship between [FeSCN2+] and absorbance (AU)

The high R2 value of 0.974 indicates a strong positive correlation between the two variables.
Examining the line of best fit, it can be seen that it has the following equation: y = 935⋅x. This
equation will be used in Part 2 in order to convert the absorbance values into some [FeSCN2+]
values, which will ultimately be used to determine the Keq value at different temperatures. Using
the equation acquired from above, as well as the absorbance values from table 4, the
concentration of FeSCN2+ at different temperatures can be determined (table 5).

Table 5. Example calculation of [FeSCN2+] at 10°C from calibration curve


-​ Average absorbance (AU) of green light at 10°C: 1.85
-​ Equation of calibration curve: y = 935⋅x
-​ y = absorbance
-​ x = [FeSCN2+]
2+ 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 1.85
-​ [𝐹𝑒𝑆𝐶𝑁 ] = 935
= 935
≈ 0. 00198

After the [FeSCN2+] calculations are completed for all five temperatures, the initial
concentrations of [Fe3+] and [SCN-] can be calculated using the following ICE table (table 6).
The initial concentrations of Fe3+ and SCN- was calculated by dividing the total volume of the
equilibrium solution by the standard concentration of [Fe3+] or [SCN-] multiplied by its initial
volume.

7
Table 6. ICE Table for calculating [Fe3+] and [SCN-] at equilibrium
[Fe3+] [SCN-] [FeSCN2+]

Initial Concentration (mol dm-3) 0.005 0.005 0

Change in Concentration (mol dm-3) -x -x +x

Equilibrium Concentration (mol dm-3) 0.005-x 0.005-x x


From table 6, x stands for [FeSCN2+], thus [Fe3+] and [SCN-] at equilibrium can be calculated
(table 7). These values will be then used to calculate the Keq value, which is given by the
following formula:
2+
[𝐹𝑒𝑆𝐶𝑁 ]
𝐾𝑒𝑞 = 3+ −
[𝐹𝑒 ][𝑆𝐶𝑁 ]
Table 7. Example calculation of [Fe3+] and [SCN-] at 10°C
[Fe3+] [SCN-] [FeSCN2+]

Initial Concentration (mol dm-3) 0.005 0.005 0

Change in Concentration (mol dm-3) -0.00198 -0.00198 +0.00198

Equilibrium Concentration (mol dm-3) 0.005-0.00198 0.005-0.00198 = 0.00198


= 0.00302 0.00302
(0.00198)
𝐾𝑒𝑞 = (0.00302)·(0.00302)
= 217
Following this procedure, the Keq was calculated for each temperature value (10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C,
50°C).

3.4 Uncertainty and Error Propagation


Table 8. Uncertainty Calculations
Mass Uncertainty Calculations Part 1 Part 2

●​ 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠𝐹𝑒𝐶𝑙 = 0. 20 ± 0. 005𝑔
3
𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑈𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑦 0.005
% uncertainty = 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠𝐹𝑒𝐶𝑙
· 100% = 0.20
· 100% = 2. 5%
3

●​ 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠𝐾𝑆𝐶𝑁 = 3. 24 ± 0. 005𝑔 → % uncertainty = 0. 15%

●​ 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠𝐹𝑒𝐶𝑙 = 0. 16 ± 0. 005𝑔 → % uncertainty = 3.1%


3

●​ 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠𝐾𝑆𝐶𝑁 = 0. 10 ± 0. 005𝑔 → % uncertainty = 5.0%

Solution Uncertainty Calculations

8
●​ 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 = 100 ± 0. 1 𝑚𝐿
100 𝑚𝐿
𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑈𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑦 0.1
% uncertainty = 100𝑚𝐿
· 100% = 100
· 100% = 0. 1%
●​ 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒 = 5 ± 0. 01 𝑚𝐿 → % uncertainty = 0.2%
5 𝑚𝐿

●​ 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒 = 1 ± 0. 006 𝑚𝐿 → % uncertainty = 0.6%


1 𝑚𝐿

Temperature Uncertainty Calculations

●​ Temperature10°C = 10°C ± 0.5°C


𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑦 0.5°𝐶
% uncertainty = 10°𝐶
· 100% = 10°𝐶
· 100% = 5%
●​ Temperature20°C = 20°C ± 0.5°C → % uncertainty: 3%
●​ Temperature30°C = 30°C ± 0.5°C → % uncertainty: 2%
●​ Temperature40°C = 40°C ± 0.5°C → % uncertainty: 1%
●​ Temperature50°C = 50°C ± 0.5°C → % uncertainty: 1%
*Since each Keq value have different absolute uncertainties for each temperature value, the total %
uncertainty is calculated individually*

The total % uncertainty for the Keq value at 10°C = 17%


17
With this percentage, the absolute uncertainty can be calculated: 100
· 217 = 37
Thus, Keq = 217 ± 37
Combining these absolute uncertainty values and the Keq values, it can be rewritten with absolute
uncertainties (table 9). Additionally, this data can be visually represented (figure 3).

Table 9. Keq value of varied temperature with absolute uncertainties


Temperature of Equilibrium Solution (°C) Value of Keq

10 217 ± 37

20 189 ± 28

30 194 ± 26

40 191 ± 24

50 167 ± 21

9
Figure 3. Relationship between Keq and temperature variance

Figure 3 displays a clear negative linear correlation between the temperature of the equilibrium
solution (x-axis) and the value of Keq (y-axis), with a coefficient of determination of -0.8679,
which aligns with the predicted overall trend of the Keq decreasing as temperature increases.
While the variables are negatively correlated, it differs from the hypothesis, as it displays a linear
relationship while it was hypothesized that it will be negatively exponential. This is due to the
limited temperature range, and will be elaborated further in the evaluation section.

4.​Conclusion
This investigation aimed to answer the research question: How do fluctuations in temperature
correlate with the determination of the equilibrium constant of iron (III) thiocyanate complex
equilibrium reaction? Figure 3 shows the relationship between the two, displaying a clear
negative linear correlation between the two variables. The system at 10°C had a Keq value of 217
while at 50°C, the Keq value was significantly lower, at 167. This supports my hypothesis that
increasing the temperature will result in a lowered Keq value.

To qualitatively interpret this relationship, Le Chatelier’s principle states that a stress of


increased temperature in the equilibrium system induces the system to counteract the increased
temperature by shifting the direction to the endothermic side to exhaust the energy. In this
investigation, the reverse reaction proved to be endothermic, as increasing the temperature led to

10
reduced product yield but an increase in reactants, signaled by the decrease in intensity of the
blood red colour of FeSCN2+. Therefore it can be said that as the reaction shifts to the reactants,
the Keq value will decline.

Further examining figure 3, it can be seen that the two variables are linearly related to one
another. However, as mentioned in the background information, the actual relationship between
the two would show an exponential decay curve for an exothermic reaction following the Van’t
Hoff equation, which is lacking in this representation. This misrepresentation will be discussed
further in the evaluation section.

Comparing the results obtained from this experiment to published literature values, it is said that
the Keq value of FeSCN2+ at 20°C is approximately 113 (Harvard, 2024). Thus, this published
value can be compared to the Keq value obtained in this investigation by obtaining the percentage
error, which can be calculated using the following formula:

|𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 − 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒|


𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
· 100%

Using the formula above, the percentage error for the Keq value at 20°C was determined to be
67.3% difference. This error can be produced by methodological errors, which will be outlined
below. However, due to the strong nature of the investigation method and the overall trend
aligning with the published literature values, it can be said that this investigation successfully
answered the RQ of the effect of temperature changes on the Keq value as seen by the decrease in
the Keq value as temperature is increased.

5.​Evaluation
5.1 Strengths
Table 10. Strengths
Strengths Reason

Repetition of trials, 3 trials per data point, Repeated procedure ensures that concordant
averages were made to represent all trials. results are obtained.

Measurement uncertainties were propagated in Acknowledges potential limitations and errors that
order to account for potential errors. might have risen from measuring devices (ex.
Graduated cylinders, timer, scale, etc.).

Safe reagent disposal, proper and responsible Ensures no harmful chemicals affect the
handling of chemicals. investigator nor the environment.

11
5.2 Weaknesses
Table 11. Methodological weaknesses
Methodological Weakness Improvements

The limited temperature range restricts the Expanding the research to beyond 50°C and 10°C
understanding of the effect of heat on the Keq would ensure better understanding of the effect of
value, as it oversimplifies and dismisses any heat on the Keq value, in addition to being able to
potential nonlinear behaviours that appear beyond better identify graphical trends.
the chosen data points. Following the Van’t Hoff
equation, the real graph would show an
exponential decay curve, which is missing from
this investigation.

Inaccurate temperature stress caused by inefficient Can be improved using a temperature-controlled


heating/cooling system. The hot plate was not able water bath or a hot plate with precise temperature
to maintain a constant temperature as it was regulation. Once the desired temperature is
controlled by a dial. The temperature of the ice reached and maintained, allowing the solution 5 to
bath was controlled by adding/subtracting the 10 minutes to reach the new equilibrium before
number of ice cubes. Thus, the inaccurate measurements are taken will ensure more accurate
temperature measurements of the ice bath and hot results that better reflect theoretical values.
plate led to fluctuating equilibrium conditions and
not allowing the solution to reach equilibrium at
the correct temperature.

The low mass of KSCN(s) that was needed for the The use of more advanced equipment like
0.002M standard solution is difficult to measure, analytical balances would minimize mass
contributing to a random error that can impact the measurement errors even further. Alternatively,
calibration curve, and in turn affect the Keq values. making a more concentrated stock solution (ex.
Additionally, any small errors in volume 0.1M KSCN) and diluting it further to 0.002M
measurements would result in significant will reduce the impacts of weighing errors.
deviations from the intended 0.002M
concentration.
θ
Due to a missing ∆𝐻 value, it is impossible to As an extension, the standard enthalpy change can
quantitatively predict how temperature would be calculated using a calorimeter, which could be
affect the Keq value, as the Van’t Hoff equation is substituted with the use of a paper cup in a high
incomplete. school setting. This would allow for a more
accurate representation of the relationship
between temperature fluctuations and Keq values.

12
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[Link] Accessed 6 January 2025.

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[Link] Accessed 1 January 2025.

“Equilibrium and LeChatelier's Principle - Background.” Harper College,

[Link] Accessed 9 January

2025.

Harvard University. “Equilibrium of Iron (III) Thiocyanate.” Harvard Natural Sciences Lecture Demonstrations, 26

July 2024,

[Link]

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