Kinetics and Equilibrium : Reaction Rates

Determine how temperature, particle size, and concentration affects the rate of reaction between magnesium metal and hydrochloric acid.

Lab Summary:

In this activity, students will use an absolute pressure sensor to investigate several factors that affect the rate of a simple chemical reaction. In this case, it is magnesium metal reacting with hydrochloric acid. Students will investigate temperature, particle size, and acid concentration.

Download free labs:

(student versions)

Computer-based lab - Part 1  (PDF, 500 KB)
Computer-based lab - Part 2  (PDF, 412 KB)
Computer-based lab - Part 3  (PDF, 416 KB)

Method:

Use an Absolute Pressure Sensor to measure the effects of concentration, particle size, and temperature on the rate of reactions of magnesium with hydrochloric acid.

Here's What You Need:

Required for computer-based lab:

(See lab download for Xplorer GLX-based lab requirements, which may differ)

Probeware

• PASPORT Absolute Pressure Sensor (PS-2107)
• Xplorer GLX Graphing Datalogger (PS-2002)
  (or alternate PASPORT interface -- see other options)

Other Materials

• Hot plate
• Beaker, 250 mL
• Glycerin, C₃H₅(OH)₃
• Graduated cylinder, 100 mL
• 6.0 M hydrochloric acid, HCl
• 3.0 M hydrochloric acid, HCl
• 1.0 M hydrochloric acid, HCl
• 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, HCl
• Ice, crushed
• Magnesium metal strip, 0.5 by 2 cm
• Scissors
• Steel wool
• Stopper, one-hole (to fit in test tube)
• Test tube, medium
• Test tube rack
• Water

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.