Investigating rates of reaction

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Coursework - Investigating rates of reaction

Aim: To see what effects changing the concentration of hydrochloric acid will have in a reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid.

Prediction: The higher the concentration of acid, the faster the rate or reaction will be.

Background  

     Info:       The phrase "rate of reaction" means "how fast is the reaction" or "the speed of the reaction." Rates of reaction can vary from very slow reactions such as rusting to very fast reactions such as magnesium dissolving in hydrochloric acid (the investigation I am doing). There are things that can speed up reactions; they are called catalysts, which can be a transition metal or an enzyme which reduces time to save money. There is a rate equation to show the rate of reaction, it is:

The overall order of reaction is given by (a + b), a or b usually have values such as 0, 1 or 2. If the order of reaction is 0, then as the concentration increases, the rate will not be affected; If the order of reaction is 1, then as the concentration is doubled then so is the rate; If the order of reaction is 2, then as the concentration is doubled then the rate is multiplied by 4. This can be applied to the area of investigation because it can show how the rate of reaction is affected by different orders of reaction and it directly affects the rate of reaction, as shown in the equation above.

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Equipment: Gas Syringe, Timer, 100 cm3 beaker, clamps and stands, delivery tubes, 100 cm3, conical flask.

Method: 

Step 1:        Set up the equipment, then measure out the correct volume of acid to water, which will vary, and measure out the correct length of  Magnesium ribbon, this will ensure the test is fair.

Step 2:        Place the Magnesium ribbon in the conical glass, pour over the water/acid solution and start the timer, record the amount of gas produced ...

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