Question

In which direction did the following equilibrium shift when it was placed in the hot water bath? [CoCl4] 2- (aq) + 6H2O (l) ⇌ [Co(H2O)6] 2+ (aq) + 4 Cl- (aq)

Answer 1

Answer:

The equilibrium position will shift towards the lefthand side.

Explanation:

[CoCl4] 2- (aq) + 6H2O (l) ⇌ [Co(H2O)6] 2+ (aq) + 4 Cl- (aq)

The equation written above in exothermic as written. That is, the forward reaction is exothermic. The equilibrium position is observable by monitoring the colour change of the solution. At the left hand side, the solution is blue but at the right hand side the solution is pink. Addition of heat (in a hot water bath) will shift the equilibrium towards the left hand side, that is formation of more [CoCl4] 2- making the solution to appear blue in colour.