Effect of concentration on the reaction between Magnesium and Hydrochloric Acid

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Nicola Seaman

PGCE Secondary Science Ed.

EDM 212 Chemistry

Effect of concentration on the reaction between Magnesium and Hydrochloric Acid

Introduction

Chemical kinetics is the study of how fast (rate) a reaction takes place. We define reaction rate as the change in concentration of a substance divided by the time taken for that change to take place (Johnson et al., 1996) its units are mol dm-3/s. Without the understanding of kinetics scientists wouldn't understand basic chemical life processes, and how complications occur. For example, high levels of oxygen need to be maintained within cells, oxygen is in constant demand; its interaction with molecules results in chemical reactions necessary for life. If concentrations of oxygen decrease, rate of reactions decreases, resulting in impairment of cell function, and death (Seeley et al., 2000).

Many factors influence the rate reactions proceed, how easily substances react with one another for example, all reactants differ in abilities e.g. iron corrodes faster than stainless steel (Parsons et al., 2002). Other factors include concentration and surface area of reactants, presence of catalyst and temperature. An example of the effect of temperature can be seen in a person with a fever,