Kinetics and Equilibrium : Reaction Order

Analyze reaction rate by determining the order of the reaction when a coloring agent, the dye FD&C Blue No. 1, reacts with household bleach.

Reaction Order<

The linear fit of the Natural Log of Concentration versus Time shows a first-order reaction. Enlarge screenshot

Lab Summary:

Students will use a colorimeter to determine the order of reaction when a coloring agent, the dye FD&C Blue No. 1, combines chemically with household bleach.

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(student version)

Method:

Use a Colorimeter to measure the rate of reaction of Blue Dye No.1 with bleach to determine the order of the reaction with respect to Blue Dye No.1.

Probeware

Other Materials

  • Blue Dye No.1
  • Sodium hypochlorite, NaOCl
  • Graduated cylinder, 10 mL
  • Beaker, 50 mL
  • Stirring rod
  • Water, distilled

Lab Manual:

This activity is included in Explorations in Chemistry (PS-2808), complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data for a total of 25 probeware-based labs. For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware necessary for the activities in the manual. For more information on these resources and bundles, click here.