An Investigation into the factors affecting the rate of reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid.

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An Investigation into the factors affecting the rate of reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid

- Planning

* Hypothesis

I predict that as the temperature increases, the speed of the reaction will increase therefore the gas will be produced faster. I believe this because most chemical reactions happen faster when the temperature is higher. At higher temperatures molecules mover around faster, which makes it easier for them to react together. Usually, a rise of 10OC will double the rate of reaction.

Chemical reactions take place by chance. Particles need to collide with enough velocity so that they react. As the temperature is increased the particles move faster since they have more energy. This means that they are colliding more often and more of the collisions have enough velocity to cause a reaction. Since there are more collisions the chemical reaction takes place faster.

* Pilot Experiment

To decide on the best volume and concentration of hydrochloric acid and best mass of magnesium a number of calculations were done and a pilot experiment conducted.

The equation for the reaction is:

Magnesium(s) + Hydrochloric Acid(l) Magnesium Chloride(l) + Hydrogen(g)

Mg(s) +