Factors Affecting Rates of Reaction

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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: ______