Rates of Reaction Investigation

Rates of reaction investigation
Limestone is composed mainly of calcium carbonate, CaCO3(s). Limestone formations are also
geological indicators of petroleum deposits. Geologists use hydrochloric acid in a fi eld test to detect
limestone (Figure 1). Th e reaction between hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate produces carbon
dioxide gas:
Purpose
To determine the reaction rate at various points during the reaction of hydrochloric acid and calcium
carbonate, using given data
1
Hypothesis/prediction
Hypothesis: The rate of the chemical reaction between HC (hydrochloric acid) and another reactant
decreases exponentially over time. This suggests that the reaction follows first-order kinetics, where
the rate is directly proportional to the concentration of the reactant. The decrease in concentration of
HC over time leads to a slower rate of reaction, consistent with the exponential decay characteristic of
first-order reactions.
Prediction: Based on the hypothesis of first-order kinetics, the curve representing the change in rate
of the chemical reaction over time is expected to be an exponential decay curve. The initial rate of
reaction is higher when the concentration of HC is greater, resulting in a steeper decline at the
beginning. As time progresses, the rate of decrease in concentration slows down, leading to a more
gradual decline in the rate of reaction. Therefore, the shape of the curve for the given data is
anticipated to resemble a decreasing exponential function.
Procedure
1. Using the data in Table 1, plot a graph of the concentration of hydrochloric acid over time (6
min). Paste your graph below.
2. From your graph, calculate the average rate of consumption of hydrochloric acid from:
2
a) 0 s to 120 s
b) from 180 s to 300 s.
3. From your graph, calculate the instantaneous rate of consumption of hydrochloric acid
3
a) at 60 s
b) at 240 s.
Analyse and Evaluate
4
a) State the independent and dependent variables recorded in this investigation.
Independent Variable: In this experiment, the concentration of hydrochloric acid serves as the
independent variable, deliberately manipulated to observe its impact on the reaction with
limestone, thereby exploring the relationship between acid concentration and limestone
reactivity.
Dependent Variable: The dependent variable is the concentration of HC (hydrochloric acid) in the
solution. The concentration of HC is measured at various time intervals (0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300,
360 seconds). The change in concentration over time is observed, and it reflects the rate of the
chemical reaction. As time progresses, the dependent variable (concentration of HC) is expected to
change, and this change is influenced by the independent variable (time).
b) State 3 control variables in this investigation
1. Temperature: Temperature can significantly affect reaction rates. To ensure the validity of the
experiment, it's crucial to control and maintain a constant temperature throughout the investigation.
Fluctuations in temperature could lead to variations in reaction rates, impacting the reliability of the
data.
2. Concentration of Other Reactants: If there are other reactants involved in the chemical reaction
besides hydrochloric acid (HC), their concentrations should be kept constant. Any changes in the
concentration of other reactants could introduce additional variables that might influence the reaction
rate independently of the variable being investigated.
3. Stirring or Mixing Conditions: The efficiency of the reaction may be influenced by how well the
reactants are mixed. To ensure consistent reaction conditions, it is important to control the stirring or
mixing of the solution. Inadequate mixing could result in uneven distribution of reactants, affecting
the observed reaction rates. Therefore, the stirring or mixing conditions should be kept constant
throughout the experiment.
c) Describe in words the change in reaction rates determined in Steps 2 and 3. Explain this
change using the collision theory.
In Steps 2 and 3, the reaction rates are determined at different time intervals. The average rates
represent the overall change in concentration over a specific time range, while the instantaneous rates
provide the rate at a specific moment. According to collision theory, reactions occur when reactant
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particles collide with sufficient energy and proper orientation. The varying rates can be attributed to
changes in collision frequency and effectiveness, influenced by factors like concentration and time.
Apply and Extend
To determine the concentration of hydrochloric acid at the different times, an investigator measured
the pH of the solution.
a) Suggest the chemical equation, suggest one other way that could be used to determine the rate
of this reaction at various points.
Alternative Method for Rate Determination: One alternative method to determine the rate of
the reaction at various points is to measure the volume of carbon dioxide gas produced over time.
Since the reaction between hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate produces carbon dioxide gas,
monitoring the volume of gas evolved provides a direct measure of the reaction progress.
b) Sketch a diagram of the experimental setup
c) Suggest possible sources of error in your suggested experimental setup above.

1) Gas Leakage: The experimental setup for gas collection may not be perfectly sealed, leading
to gas leakage and inaccurate volume measurements.
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2) Incomplete Gas Collection: Some carbon dioxide may dissolve in the solution instead of
being collected, affecting the accuracy of gas volume measurements.
3) Incomplete Reaction: The reaction may not go to completion, leading to an underestimation
of the reaction rate.
4) pH Measurement Accuracy: In the original setup, variations in pH measurement accuracy

could introduce errors in determining the concentration of hydrochloric acid.
5) Temperature Fluctuations: Changes in temperature can influence reaction rates.

Inconsistent temperature control may introduce variability in the experimental results.

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Rates of reaction investigation

b) from 180 s to 300 s.

Analyse and Evaluate

b) State 3 control variables in this investigation

Apply and Extend

b) Sketch a diagram of the experimental setup

c) Suggest possible sources of error in your suggested experimental setup above.

4) pH Measurement Accuracy: In the original setup, variations in pH measurement accuracy

5) Temperature Fluctuations: Changes in temperature can influence reaction rates.

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