Lab: Reaction Rate
In this lab, we will investigate the factors that affect the rate of a chemical reaction. We will be using the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and magnesium (Mg) to generate hydrogen gas (H2) as our reaction system.
Materials:
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
- Magnesium ribbon (Mg)
- Graduated cylinder
- Beaker
- Stopwatch
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- Thermometer (optional)
Procedure:
1. Safety first: Put on your safety goggles and gloves before starting the experiment.
2. Measure out 50 ml of hydrochloric acid using the graduated cylinder and pour it into the beaker.
3. Optional: Measure the temperature of the hydrochloric acid using a thermometer.
4. Cut a piece of magnesium ribbon (Mg) into small pieces and add them to the beaker containing the hydrochloric acid. Note the time on the stopwatch as soon as the magnesium is added to the acid.
5. Observe the reaction and record any changes you see (bubble formation, color change, etc).
6. Measure the volume of hydrogen gas produced over a specific period of time (e.g. every 30 seconds) using a gas syringe if available. If no gas syringe is available, you can measure the final volume of gas produced after a set amount of time.
7. Repeat the experiment with different concentrations of hydrochloric acid (e.g. 25ml, 75ml) or different temperatures of the acid to observe how these factors affect the rate of the reaction.
8. Calculate the rate of reaction by determining the change in concentration of the reactants or products over time. You can use the volume of gas produced as a measure of the rate of reaction.
9. Analyze the data and draw conclusions about the factors that affect the rate of the reaction between HCl and Mg.
Safety Tips:
- Handle chemicals with care and follow all safety guidelines provided by your instructor.
- Always work in a well-ventilated area when handling chemicals.
- Avoid contact with skin or eyes, and wash hands thoroughly after completing the experiment.
- Dispose of any leftover chemicals or waste materials properly according to your school's guidelines.
Note: This lab is a basic introduction to reaction rates and can be expanded upon for more in-depth experiments or analysis. It is important to always follow safety precautions and seek assistance from your instructor when conducting chemical experiments.