An investigation to see if concentration influences the rate of reaction between dilute Hydrochloric acid and marble chips.

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 Amy Amin 11.

An investigation to see if concentration influences the rate of reaction    

                 between dilute Hydrochloric acid and marble chips                

Plan

I already know that acid rain is just water which is acidic and that limestone is called calcium carbonate. The rain becomes acidic because it dissolves gases like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, which are formed when fossil fuels burn. I also know that, both natural vegetation and crops are affected by acid rain. The roots are damaged by acidic rainfall, causing the growth of the plant to be stunted, or even in its death. Nutrients present in the soil are destroyed by the acidity. Useful micro organisms, which release nutrients from decaying organic matter, into the soil, are killed off, resulting in less nutrients being available for the plants. Lakes are also becoming more acid which in time will kill fish and other sea creatures. Even limestone buildings, bridges and other structures are affected. In cities the paint on cars fades due to the effects of acid rain. 

Below is the reaction when dilute nitric acid reacts with marble chips:

Equation                                         

CaCO3 (s)  +  2HNO3 (aq)              Ca(NO3)2 (aq)  + H2O (l) + CO2 (g)

In this coursework I will be investigating how the different concentrations of nitric acid react with marble chips. To do this, I will measure the volume of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced with a gas syringe. I will collect 50 cm3 of carbon dioxide each time. I will repeat this experiment three times using the same equipment and conditions so that the results are accurate by fair testing. I will plot the results on to a graph.

 Equipment:

  1. 1. Conical flask: - 250cm3

      2. Gas siring: - To measure the 50 cm3 of CO2 produced

  1. 3. Nitric acid: - 2M

  2. 4. Marble chips: - medium size 

  3. 5. Bung: - To fit on top of the conical flask so it traps the CO2 

6. Pipe: - Transports the CO2 

  1. 7. Beaker: - This will contain the 2M nitric acid   
  2. 8. Clamp: - Will support the gas syringe when it is moving
  3. 9. Distilled water: - Purity
  4. 10. Measuring cylinder: - To measure accurately
  5. 11. Pulley and 100g mass
  6. 12. Beaker: - This will contain the 2M nitric acid   
  7. 13. Safety goggles: - To protect my eyes 
  8. 14.  Stop watch: - To time each experiment
  9. 15. Water bath: - To keep the temperature the same for each experiment
  10. 16. Thermometer: - To make sure the temperature is constant at all time
  11. 17. Electric balance: - To measure the weight of marble chips

Diagram

Safety-

- Wearing goggles: acid is corrosive and can eat through skin, therefore I will wear goggles to protect my eyes.

- Wash hands: after the experiment I will have to wash my hands, as acid may get in to contact with my skin.

I already know, that the rate of a reaction, can be effected by four aspects:

  • Temperature
  • Surface area
  • Concentration
  • Catalyst

  • Temperature: this variable changes the rate of reaction, when the temperature is increased the rate of reaction is quicker, because the particles have more kinetic energy to move around and collide with one another. The more collisions taken place between particles, the faster the rate of reaction. If the nitric acid temperature is too high or too low it will make a huge impact on the rate of reaction and how much carbon dioxide is produced. Therefore, it is vital for me to keep the temperature the same. To do this I intend to use a thermometer and a water bath, which keeps the temperature the same, through out the experiment.
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  • Surface area: if the surface areas of the marble chips are increased, then this increases the rate of reaction. The surface area is the measure of how much surface is exposed, therefore smaller chips have a larger surface area than larger chips, this means that rate of the small chips will be quicker than the bigger ones. Hence I will keep the size of the marble chips the same in each experiment, so that they all have the same surface area.

  • Concentration: I intend to use different concentrations of acid  This changes the rate of ...

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