Answer to Question #76488 in General Chemistry for Eric De Torres

Question

As a project in Chemistry 30, Pat was assigned the task of proving that equilibrium is dynamic. The teacher provided Pat with a saturated solution of lead(II) sulphate in a test tube (some solid lead(II) sulphate remained on the bottom of the test tube), a small sample of solid lead(II) sulphate which contained radioactive , and a stopper that fit the test tube. Pat placed the radioactive sample in the test tube containing the saturated solution of lead(II) sulphate, stoppered the test tube, and agitated it vigorously for several minutes. Pat then let the mixture settle overnight, filtered it, and tested both the filtrate and the residue for radioactivity.

Evidence: Both the residue and the filtrate gave a positive test for radioactivity. Also, the mass of the residue remained constant.

Complete the analysis for this investigation. How does the investigation show that equilibrium is dynamic?