Determination of an Equilibrium Constant

Stephanie Susavage

Lab Partner: Nick Lanza

7/27/2010
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Summary

Goal

The overall goal of this lab is to put into practice the concepts and calculations involved in the
determination of equilibrium constant. Sub-goals include determination of the equilibrium
constant for acetic acid with tethanold to form ethyl acetate and water, the use of an ICE table to
determine the equilibrium concentration of each reagent, and to learn spreadsheet calculation.

Chemical Reactions

HC2H3O2 + C2H6O ↔ C4H8O2 + H2O

HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O

HC2H3O2 + NaOH → NaC2H3O2 + H2O

Conclusion

A comparison of the initial products and reactants in each bottle demonstrates a trend in the
equilibrium Acetic Acid and Ethanol into Water and Ethyl acetate.

Bottle 1.

A Q lower than the K value indicates that the reaction will proceed from left to right, in that there
will be more products formed at equilibrium than exist initially.
Bottle 2.

In this reaction, one of the initial reactants, Acetic Acid was not added to the initial
concentration. The titration with NaOH shows that at equilibrium, Acetic Acid was produced.
This indicates that the reaction moved from right to left, resulting in more reactants than
products.

Bottle 3.

In this reaction, the products and reactants added approached equilibrium in their initial
concentrations. This is indicated by Q values and K values that closely match one another. This
reaction system did not significantly shift to the right or left.

Sources of Error

Potential sources of error include inadvertent mixing of reactants in the graduated cylinder, error
in measurement of cylinder contents, error in measurement of NaOH, inadvertent omission of a
chemical, improperly mixed stock reactants, improper calibration technique.

Determination of an Equilibrium Constant - Susavage

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Data

See attached data table – page 4

Spreadsheets

Equilibrium Constant Lab – attached – page 5

Equilibrium Constant Lab – Formulas – attached – page 6

Graphs

None

Manual Calculations

Determination of an Equilibrium Constant - Susavage