Year 12 Chemistry – Investigating Equilibrium Reactions

At MLC School, we believe that practical lessons in are essential for students’ learning as they complement theory with hands-on experiences, deepening understanding of scientific concepts. Through experiments and activities, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and scientific inquiry. These lessons also foster curiosity, excitement about STEM subjects, and vital skills like teamwork and communication. Overall, practical science lessons play a crucial role in shaping scientifically literate individuals ready for future pursuits in research, industry, and everyday life.

Our Year 12 HSC Chemistry students investigated a number of colourful reversible chemical reactions. In these investigations they changed the conditions by adding ions to the colourful solutions to shift the position of the equilibrium towards either the reactants or the products. Equilibrium reactions such as the chromate/dichromate reaction and the iron thiocyanate reaction have different coloured reactants and products, so it is easy to visualise which way the position of equilibrium shifts. The principle behind these changes is named after Henry Louis Le Chatelier, a French chemist who presented his results in 1884 at the French Academy of Sciences.

– Felicity Cassidy Powell
Teacher