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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2000  > August  >
In the Classroom
Overhead Projector Demonstrations
Simulating Dynamic Equilibria: A Class Experiment
John A. Harrison
Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand and

Paul D. Buckley
Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand and

Cover
August 2000
Vol. 77 No. 8
p. 1013
Abstract
A first-order reversible reaction is simulated on an overhead projector using small coins or discs. A simulation is carried out in which initially there are 24 discs representing reactant A and none representing reactant B. At the end of each minute half of the reactant A discs get converted to reactant B, and one quarter of the reactant B discs get converted to reactant A discs. Equilibrium is established with 8 A discs and 16 B discs, and no further net change is observed as the simulation continues. Another simulation beginning with 48 A discs and 0 B discs leads at equilibrium to 16 A discs and 32 B discs. These results illustrate how dynamic equilibria are established and allow the introduction of the concept of an equilibrium constant. Le Châtelier's principle is illustrated by further simulations.
More Information
*  Citation
 Harrison, John A.; Buckley, Paul D. J. Chem. Educ. 2000 77 1013.
*  Keywords
 General Chemistry; Equilibrium; Demonstrations; Teaching/Learning Aids
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 July 5, 2000
April 15, 2005
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