Unit 10: Introduction to Equilibrium

Our host introduces equilibrium theories and the dynamic nature of chemical equilibrium. The students perform an activity using Legos® to understand the nature of how forward and reverse reactions affect equilibrium and the amount of products and reactants in a reaction.

This segment explains how to calculate the ratio of products to reactants and why this is important in the manufacture of chemicals for business. Students write equilibrium expressions and prepare to calculate equilibrium constant.

In this segment, students find out if their calculation for the equilibrium constant of ammonia was correct. The teacher asks the students to list examples that illustrate why chemical equilibrium is important in everyday life.

The students explain their examples of real world chemical equilibrium, including in our bodies. The teacher demonstrates Le Chatelier's principle using a solution of tea, showing how different additives will change the tea's color and its equilibrium. The students prepare to do an experiment concerning the equilibrium of smog.

In segment E, our students conduct an experiment to see which gases produces smog, recording their observations and creating a data table.

The students review the results of the smog experiment, analyze the data, and draw conclusions. The teacher asks them to create models based on what they learned about temperature and equilibrium.

In the last segment of unit 10, our students show their completed models and discuss how temperatures affects equilibrium. Deanna Oser, Program Manager at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, joins our host to discuss how they monitor air quality.