Rates of reaction

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David mccreight

Rates of reaction

The rate of a reaction is the speed of the reaction. It is not “how much” of a product is made, but instead “how quickly” a reaction takes place. If we consider a reaction

e.g. zinc + hydrochloric acid —> zinc chloride + hydrogen

Then there are two possible ways of measuring the rate:

1) Measure how quickly one of the products (e.g. the hydrogen) is formed.
2) Measure how quickly one of the
 reactants (e.g. the zinc) disappears.

In this investigation I hope to look at the factors, which affect the rate of reaction between magnesium ribbon and hydrochloric acid.

The factors I intend to vary are -

  • The temperature
  • The concentration of hydrochloric acid

Magnesium + hydrochloric acid                                  Magnesium chloride + hydrogen

Mg + 2HCL                                 MgCL2 +H2

Fair test

We have to make sure that we use the similar size, amount and the same mass of magnesium, this is because we want to keep the ribbon the same all the way through out the experiment so that it will be a fair test and the results will be related to each other, otherwise the results will be completely different to what we expect it to be, and it will ruin the experiment. We need to also use the same volume of hydrochloric acid throughout the experiment.

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Safety

Before conducting the experiment we must make a few safety precautions, for our own health and safety. Being careful and aware will prevent accidents from happening. Here are a few things we must make sure we do: Wear goggles to protect the eyes. Avoid spilling the acid onto your skin as it is corrosive. If it gets in contact with skin was thoroughly with water and seek medical assistance if necessary.

Apparatus

  1. Gas syringe
  2. Retort stand
  3. Magnesium
  4. Stopwatch
  5. 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5m of hydrochloric acid
  6. Measuring cylinder
  7. Thermometer
...

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