Colorful cobalt complexes make a great way to learn about Le Chatelier! Eager chemists explore equilibrium through a virtual lab. Individuals use solutions with two different concentrations and observe the color changes that indicate shifts in equilibrium.

Concepts

le chatelier's principle, chemical equilibrium, equilibrium, equilibrium concentrations, colors, thermal energy, exothermic reactions, endothermic reactions, making observations

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Get the lesson started with a video from Flinn Scientific 
• Perform the reactions as demonstrations after the class has completed the virtual lab

Classroom Considerations

• Students should be comfortable with ion complexes and solution vocabulary
• Make sure the class understands the controls in the simulation before getting started

Pros

• The solutions for the lab are pre-made, allowing more time for pupils to focus on Le Chateleir's Principle
• Background information is well-written and great for learners new to equilibrium reactions

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.3 RST.11-12.3