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Group Lab: Factors Affecting Reaction Rate
Working in groups of 4, you will design and carry out 4 experiments to qualitatively investigate 4 factors that affect reaction rate: temperature, concentration, surface area, and a catalyst. Each person is responsible for the write-up of ONE variable, however, the report must be submitted as a group (i.e. 4 “mini-labs” put together in one report).
Each “mini-lab” should include:
Purpose: Why are we doing this lab?
Introduction:
· State the purpose of the lab. Be specific to your variable.
· Related theory: Brief explanation of the collision theory. Do NOT go into detail about the factors affecting reaction rate, this will be addressed in more detail in your discussion.
· Write a hypothesis to explain the effect of your variable (temperature, concentration, surface area, and catalyst) on reaction rate.
o Follow the format “if (variable) increases, then reaction rate will (increase/decrease/stay the same)”
Materials:
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Beakers
Test tubes
Test tube rack
Hot plate
Thermometer
Steel wool/sandpaper
Scissors
Ice
Magnesium ribbon
Zinc pieces
Copper pieces
Alka Seltzer® tablets
1 M HCl(aq)
3 M HCl(aq)
6 M HCl(aq)
1 M H2SO4(aq)
1 M CuSO4(aq)
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** only include materials used to investigate your variable.
Procedure:
Part 1: Effect of Temperature
Using the reaction of Alka Seltzer® with water, design an experiment that will qualitatively investigate the effect of temperature on the rate of reaction.
Part 2: Effect of Concentration
Using the reaction of magnesium with hydrochloric acid, design an experiment that will qualitatively investigate the effect of concentration on the rate of reaction.
Part 3: Effect of Surface Area
Using the reaction of magnesium with sulfuric acid, design an experiment that will qualitatively investigate the effect of surface area on the rate of reaction.
Part 4: Effect of a Catalyst
Using the reaction of zinc with sulfuric acid, design an experiment that will qualitatively investigate whether copper(s) or CuSO4(aq) are catalysts.
Observations: Record all observations in table format
Analysis:
- Write balanced chemical equations for each reaction observed when investigating your variable.
- Write a statement that is one or two sentences to summarize your findings regarding the effect of your variable on the rate of reaction.
- Describe any possible sources of error when investigating your variable.
Discussion:
For Parts 1-3:
- Explain your findings using Collision Theory
- Use diagrams to show what is happening at the molecular level
- Provide an everyday example of a reaction in which this variable affects reaction rate and/or create an analogy to explain the effect.
For Part 4:
- Would you consider copper(s) or CuSO4(aq) to be catalysts? Justify your answer.
- Explain your findings using Collision Theory
- Draw a Maxwell Boltzman distribution curve and a potential energy diagram to illustrate the effect of a catalyst on reaction rate.
- Provide an everyday example of a reaction in which this variable affects reaction rate and/or create an analogy to explain the effect.
Write a concluding statement that reflects on the purpose of the lab.
** Remember to use in-text citations and provide your reference list in APA format
Due: ______