EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON RATE OF REACTION

01 INTRODUCTION

In order for a chemical reaction to occur, the particles, atoms or ions — which are reactants — must physically come into contact with one another. It’s WAY more interesting than it sounds. Trust us

02 MATERIALS

» 6 Clear cups

» Measuring cup (mL/oz)

» Thermometer, -20 degrees C to 110 degrees C (-4 degrees F to 230 degrees F)

» 3 original formula effervescent Alka-Seltzer tablets

» Stopwatch

» Source of hot water

» Ice cubes

» Graph paper

03 PROCEDURE

Part A. Hot Water

Run water from the hot tap until it is as hot as possible. Fill a clear glass with exactly 8 oz./240 mL of hot water.

Use the thermometer to take the temperature and record it on your data sheet.

Remove 1 Alka-Seltzer tablet from its package. Drop it into water. Measure the time required for tablet to fully dissolve. Be prepared to start and stop on time. The reaction will take less than 15 seconds. Record the time.

Part B. Room Temperature Water

Fill a clear glass with exactly 8 oz./240 mL of room temperature or lukewarm water.

Use the thermometer to take the temperature and record it on your data sheet.
Drop 1 Alka-Seltzer tablet into the water. Measure the time required for the reaction to be completed. Record the time.

Part C. Cold Water

Fill a clear glass with 4 oz./120 mL of water and add enough ice to adjust the level to 8 oz./240 mL. Stir the ice water for about 15 seconds so the temperature will come to equilibrium.

Use the thermometer to take the temperature and record it on your data sheet. (Leave the ice cubes in the water!)

Drop 1 Alka-Seltzer tablet into the water. Measure the time required for the reaction to be completed. Record the time.

04 CONCLUSION

Anything that increases the frequency of the particles encountering/colliding with one another (such as heat) will increase the rate of the reaction itself, in this case – the dissolution/fizzing of the tablets