Limiting Reagents. Aim: To investigate the reaction between sodium bicarbonate powder and ethanoic acid and discover the concept of limiting reagents.

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Introduction

Aim: To investigate the reaction between sodium bicarbonate powder and ethanoic acid and discover the concept of limiting reagents.

Variables

Independent:  Mass of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)

Dependent: Volume of carbon dioxide gas (CO2)

Controlled: Ethanoic Acid (CH3COOH)

Chemical Reaction

NaHCO3 + CH3COOH = CH3COONa + H2O + CO2

Raw data table


Qualitative observations

As conical flask is swirled, tube containing NaHCO3 falls into the ethanoic solution. Large bubbles appear and the solution produces white foam. After a few minutes, bubbles stop appearing and solution in the conical flask turns clear. No heat or sound was observed.

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Processed data table

*Because uncertainty starts with 1, therefore 2 significant numbers is necessary.

Sample Calculations

Calculating the average
(83 + 78 + 78) cm
3  3 = 79.66667 cm3
 Rounded to two significant figures is 80 cm3

Calculating the uncertainty for my averages
Calculated using residuals
i.e. Largest residual is 83 – 80 = 3 as opposed to 80 – 78 = 2
 Absolute uncertainty is + 3

The limiting reagent as when CO2 remains roughly the same (group 3 to 6)

Because Molar Volume of a gas = 24.5 dm3 at SLC (approximately)

NaHCO3 + CH3COOH = CH3COONa + H2O + CO2

 1 mole of CO2 is ...

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