Modeling Dynamic Equilibrium with Coins

This Activity explores factors that influence dynamic equilibrium, including how long it takes two populations to equilibrate, and the relative amounts of reactants and products present at equilibrium. Students first use concrete objects (coins), then progress to mathematical calculations of equilibrium without physically manipulating the objects. The physical movement of objects, followed by numerical analysis, allows students to simulate reaction populations macroscopically. This Activity can be used as an initial introduction to dynamic equilibrium. It can be used as a concrete example when discussing forward-reverse reaction rates and K_eq calculations, and tie in to Le Châtelier’s principle.