Relationship between

Contents
1.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................2
1.1 Rationale......................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Research Question.......................................................................................................................2
1.3 Original Experiment....................................................................................................................2
1.4 Modification to method...............................................................................................................2
1.5 Management of risk.....................................................................................................................3
2.0 Data.................................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Raw Data.....................................................................................................................................4
2.2 Processed Data.............................................................................................................................4
3.0 Evaluation........................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Trends, patterns, and relationships...............................................................................................6
3.2 Limitations and reliability............................................................................................................6
4.0 Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................7
4.1 Suggested improvements and extensions.....................................................................................7
5.0 References.......................................................................................................................................7

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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Rationale
Chemical equilibrium occurs for reversible reactions (A ⇋ B + C) when the rate of forward and
backward reactions are equal, having equal production of reactants and products (no net change)
(Britannica, 2024). However, according to Le Chatelier’s principle, if a chemical equilibrium is
affected by changes in the conditions, the position of equilibrium shifts to counteract the changes,
reestablishing equilibrium. The factors that are able to effect equilibrium include pressure, volume,
concentration, and temperature (LibreTexts, 2013). If temperature changes, a net reaction occurs in
the direction that will partially counteract the change. For a temperature increase, equilibrium will
shift to the right as it is endothermic. The opposite effect shifts equilibrium to the left as it is
exothermic (LibreTexts, 2013). Changes in temperature also affect the equilibrium of dissociation.
The acid dissociation constant (Ka) determines the tendency of a weak acid to lose a proton and
become ionised in an aqueous solution. The stronger an acid is, the faster dissociation occurs, thus,
increasing the value of Ka (Study Mind, 2023). As acid dissociation is an endothermic process, when
temperature increases, more H+ ions are formed, dissociating the acid further (Atlas Scientific, 2023).
The dissociation reaction for a weak acid is:

HA (aq) ⇌ H +¿ −¿
(aq )+ A (aq ) ¿ ¿

Ethanoic acid can be used to showcase this reaction:

−¿
CH ₃ COOH (aq ) ⇌ H ⁺(aq) +CH ₃CO O(aq) ¿

Ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) acts as a Bronsted Lowry acid as it donated a proton to the acetate ion
(CH3COO-). Conversely, CH3COO- is a Bronsted Lowry base, as it accepts the proton (Khan
Academy, 2023). Ka demonstrates the extent of dissociation that occurs in this reaction, with the
acid’s strength measured in mol/L (or M) (LibreTexts, 2015). The Van’t Hoff equation relates the
change in Ka to the change in temperature in a chemical reaction. Through plotting ln(Ka) against
1/K, where K is the unit kelvin, the plot provides insight about the enthalpy change of the reaction.
This equation is derived from the principles of Gibbs free energy, which evaluates the spontaneity of
reactions (Oli, 2023). For an endothermic reaction, the enthalpy change is positive meaning heat is
absorbed, an increase in temperature increases Ka, resulting in a negative slope (Chemeurope, 2024).
On the other hand, exothermic reactions produce the opposite effect. Through these principles, the
research question was created: How is the position of the equilibrium of ethanoic acid (H 3COOH)
affected by its changing temperature?

1.2 Research Question

How is the position of the equilibrium of dissociation of ethanoic acid (H 3COOH) affected by its
changing temperature?

1.3 Original Experiment

The original experiment investigated the relationship between temperature of an equilibrium mixture
and the position of equilibrium. The experiment tested 1.0M phosphoric acid (H 3PO4) in two different
temperatures with a methyl violet indicator to determine when equilibrium was reached. This
experiment used a cold water and hot water bath to measure the difference in the position of
equilibrium. The different colours from the indicators were then recorded (Commons et al, 2019).

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1.4 Modification to method
To ensure the reliability, accuracy and relevancy of the experiment, modifications were made from the
original experiment:
1. Modified by
 Ethanoic acid was utilised as it is simpler to calculate the pH of a monoprotic acid as
there is no coefficient to factor in
 Through using a temperature probe rather than a thermometer, the uncertainty of the
recording was decreased to ±0.1 from ±0.5, increasing the accuracy of the data and
reducing error. The probe allowed for consistent readings experiment and was able to
record precise data.
 By using a pH probe to determine the pH of the acid for each temperature and trial, the
data collected was more precise and accurate as an indicator only showcases an
estimation while a pH probe continuously demonstrates the true pH for each trial.
2. Refined by
 Adding more trials for each temperature recorded improved the accuracy and reliability of
the data, diminished error and allowed the average to be closer to the theoretical value.
3. Extended by
 Specific temperatures of ethanoic acid were recorded (10˚C, 25˚C, 35˚C, 45˚C, 55˚C and
70˚C) to showcase the relationship between temperature and pH with more accuracy and
to demonstrate a clear trend.

1.5 Management of risk

Table 1 - demonstration of hazards and risks and the preventative measures
Hazard Risk Cautionary measures
Glass equipment Breakages of glass Each beaker was inspected
Defects, such as chips, in the glass thoroughly, and any beaker with
defects were discarded.
Breakages were immediately
reported to the supervisor and
broken glass was cleaned in the
most suitable way.
Spillage Slips, trips, and falls Supervisor and peers were alerted,
spillage was cleaned in the most
appropriate way.
Hot plates and hot water baths Burns Hot materials were watched
Electric shock attentively, and peers were not to
Equipment damage sit next to the experiment.
Electrical cords were kept away
from water to prevent damage and
shock if spillage occurred.
Hot plates were turned off after
use.
Ethanoic acid Skin irritation Correct PPE was worn at all
Eye irritation times, the acid was handled with
Lung irritation caution (Scholar Chemistry,
Environmental concerns 2009).
The acid had a low strength, thus,
it was disposed safely in the sink
with running water following the
MSDS.
This experiment did not contain any ethical concerns.

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2.0 Data
2.1 Raw Data
Table 2 - pH of ethanoic acid as temperature changes
pH (±0.01)
TEMP˚C
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
(±0.1)
10 2.32 2.29 2.26
25 2.09 2.07 2.07
35 1.83 1.83 1.83
45 1.66 1.66 1.68
55 1.52 1.54 1.54
70 1.29 1.27 1.27

2.2 Processed Data

The raw data (table 2) was processed to calculate the mean, percent uncertainty, the amount of H+
ions, Ka and %error of Ka as well as the Van’t Hoffs figure. These calculations are crucial in
validating the accuracy and reliability of the experiment as well as presenting meaningful data to
analyse. The processed data is presented in table 4 and figures 1-4.
Table 3 - processed data with 10C as an example
Formula used Sample calculations (using 10˚C)
Concentration of dilution 1.0×V1 = 0.1 × 50
C1V1 = C2V2 V1 = 5 mL

mean=
∑x mean=
2.32+2.29+2.26
=2.29
n 3
uncertainty 0.09
%uncertainty = ∗100 %uncertainty = ∗100=1.31%
avg 2.29
[H+]¿ 10−avg pH [H+]¿ 10−2.29 =0.00513
max−min 2.32−2.26
Uncertainty of mean = Uncertainty of mean = ≈ 0.03
2 2
Acid dissociation constant [0.00513]2
Ka = ¿ ¿ ¿ Ka = ≈ 0.0002630
0.1

( )
%error of Ka 0.000702533−1.8∗10
−5
%error¿ ∗100
( )
−5
Ka−1.8∗10 1.8∗10
−5
%error¿ −5
∗100
1.8∗10 =3802.96%
This calculation was done with 25˚C as a true value of pH
is being compared at a standard temperature
1/K 1/(273.5+10)= 3.532 × 10-3
Vant hoffs=ln(Ka) Vant hoffs=ln(0.000263027)≈ -8.24
Table 4 - processed data table for all calculations
Temp˚C Avg pH ±
[H+] ±%uncer Ka ±%uncer 1/K ln(Ka)±%uncer
(±0.1) mean uncer
10 2.29 ± 0.03 5.13×10-3 ±1.31% 2.6×10-4 ±2.62% 3.532×10-3 -8.24±2.62%
25 2.08 ± 0.01 8.38×10-3 ±0.48% 7.0×10-4±0.96% 3.354×10-3 -7.26±0.96%
35 1.83 ± 0 1.48×10-2 ±0% 2.2×10-3±0% 3.245×10-3 -6.12±0%

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 45 1.67 ± 0.01 2.15×10-2 ±0.60% 4.6×10-3±1.2% 3.143×10-3 -5.37±1.2%
55 1.53 ± 0.01 2.92×10-2 ±0.65% 8.6×10-3±1.3% 3.047×10-3 -4.76±1.3%
70 1.28 ± 0.01 5.28×10-3 ±0.78% 2.8×10-2±1.56% 2.914×10-3 -3.58±1.56%

Figure 1 - the temperature of CH3COOH and the effect on pH.

Figure 2 – the temperature of CH3COOH and the effect on H+ ions.

Figure 3 – the temperature of CH3COOH and effect on Ka.

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Figure 4 - Van't Hoffs plot showcasing an endothermic reaction.

3.0 Evaluation
3.1 Trends, patterns, and relationships
Figure 1 reveals a linear relationship between the temperature of CH 3COOH and its pH, showcasing
that as temperature increases, pH decreases. The model accurately represents the data as the r 2 is
0.9943. Additionally, figure 2 demonstrates the exponential relationship between temperature and
[H+] ions, revealing that as temperature increases, [H+] also increases. The r2 value was 0.9971,
indicating the model is very accurate. Another exponential relationship was showcased in the 3 rd
figure, between temperature and Ka, revealing that as temperature increases, Ka also increases. This
relationship demonstrates that the increase in temperature increases the strength of the acid. The r 2
value for this data was 0.9991, indicating the model is highly accurate. Finally, as figure 4 is a Van’t
Hoffs plot and showcases a negatively linear relationship between temperature and Kc, this reveals
the reaction is endothermic. The increase in temperature and the decrease in Kc indicates that
equilibrium is shifting to the left, thus, making the reaction endothermic.

3.2 Limitations and reliability

Numerous limitations may have affected the experiment’s reliability. For instance, the measuring
instruments used, a temperature probe and pH probe, had uncertainties of ±0.1 and ±0.01 indicating
there are inaccuracies within the data collected, introducing error and unreliability. Additionally,
when diluting CH3COOH from 1M to 0.1M, this introduced new variables, such as incorrect
measurements, meaning there are new uncertainties. For example, the measuring cylinder used had an
uncertainty of ±0.5, indicating there are more inaccuracies within the data, ultimately reducing
reliability. Furthermore, through calibrating the pH probe against pH’s of both 4 and 7, it was
discovered that the probe was inaccurate as it measured pH’s of 3.44 and 6.97. This revealed that the
data is imprecise as there is a significant gap between the measured and actual pH. However, the
calculated mean uncertainties for each pH were all low, with the lowest at 0 (refer to table 4),
suggesting accurate recordings. Moreover, the temperatures did not stay constant during pH
recordings as it was not maintained. This reduces the accuracy of the data as each recording was not
taken at exact temperatures. Due to the lack of a closed system, the equilibrium conditions are
disrupted, causing inaccuracies within the pH measurements. While calculations of [H+] ions
contained low %uncertainties, indicating precision, %error calculations for Ka ranged from ~1330%-
15500%, suggesting major systematic errors, possibly deriving from calibration or dilution issues.

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However, the methodology produced not only a clear trend between temperature and pH, but
moderately precise and accurate data, supporting its validity.
Overall, the experiment can be deemed moderately reliable due discrepancies in pH calibration and
large %errors. However, the methodology effectively answers the research question, making it valid,
supported by the low mean uncertainties for pH.

4.0 Conclusion
The aim of the experiment was to determine how the position of the equilibrium of CH 3COOH is
affected by temperature. The results demonstrated that an increase in temperature causes the pH of
CH3COOH to decrease (figure 1). The Van’t Hoffs plots (figure 4) showcased the reaction is
endothermic based on the negative slope (EdTech Books, 2023). Endothermic reactions require more
energy; thus, energy is viewed as a reactant. Through a temperature increase, the amount of reactant
increases, causing the reaction to favour the products (BYJUS, 2016). This shift to the products side
as well as increase in temperature, creates more dissociation, increasing the concentration of [H+]
ions and, thus, lowering pH (Atlas Scientific, 2023). This, in turn, increases Ka as it measures the
strength of an acid (the concentration of [H+] ions) (Study Mind, 2023). The uncertainties for the
[H+] ion calculations can be deemed reliable as they are below the 10% threshold, ranging from 0%-
1.31% (Worldpress, 2014). However, the %errors for the Ka calculations are very large, ranging from
~1330% -15500%, suggesting there was systematic error which creates unreliability. The
methodology is valid as it appropriately answered the research question and provided moderately
precise and accurate data. The reliability of the experiment is moderate due to discrepancies in the
data which can be refined and improved.

4.1 Suggested improvements and extensions

To produce more reliable and accurate results, improvements and extensions can be made. For
example, more data points can be recorded between each existing temperatures, e.g. 30˚C, 40˚C, to
gain a more detailed analysis of the overall trend. Through incorporating more temperatures, trends
and patterns that may not have been apparent are able to be viewed, allowing for better understanding
and reliability. Furthermore, by utilising a data logger to record the pH, uncertainty will increase from
±0.03, improving the reliability and accuracy of the data. To extend the experiment and further
analyse the effect of temperature on the equilibrium of a dissociation reaction, an exothermic reaction
can be analysed. An exothermic reaction will demonstrate similar trends to the current experiment,
increasing understanding through the difference in results. The methodology can be validated as
reproducibility will be demonstrated through similar outcomes. Additionally, a weaker acid, e.g. boric
acid, can be used to demonstrate similar trends and improve the overall reliability and validity of the
methodology. By repeating the experiment with a weaker acid, a broader range of acid strengths can
be analysed, enabling further understanding of the trends between pH and temperatures across
different acidities.

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5.0 References
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