The Effect of Temperature on the Rate of Reaction

The effect of temperature on rates of reaction

Aim:

The aim of this experiment is to find out if the reaction rate of sodium thiosulphate solution and hydrochloric acid will be affected by a temperature change.

Prediction:

I predict that as a result of increasing the temperature of the sodium thiosulphate, the rate of reaction will be faster. Because of the increase in temperature, the particles will gain more kinetic energy.

This will therefore cause them to move faster and produce more successful collisions, causing the rate to increase.

Plan:

Na S O + 2HCl S + SO + 2NaCl + H O

Before carrying out the experiment, I must first of all begin the preliminary work. This part of the experiment will enable me to choose an appropriate scale of temperatures, and to decide upon the amount of sodium thiosulphate solution that will be used (the concentration).

After doing this, I will then begin to carry out the experiment. I will firstly put a measured amount of sodium thiosulphate solution into a glass bottle, measure the temperature, and then add the hydrochloric acid. Immediately afterwards I will seal the lid and put it on top of a black mark, then start the stopwatch. I will observe from above and when the black mark is no longer visible, I will stop the stopwatch, measure the temperature again and record these results. I will repeat the experiment a further two times to ensure reliable results and continue this method for each temperature.

To make certain that my experiment will not be dangerous, I will carry out some basic safety precautions. I will firstly ensure that there is a safe working area around me by clearing the desks and removing stools. I will then make sure that I am wearing safety glasses at all times and han...

... middle of paper ...

...there were some sources of error and areas that I could have improved if repeating the experiment. I also noticed that there were a few anomalous results on my graph and these could be due to a few sources of error that occurred during my experiment.

I felt that by timing the reaction from personal judgement about when the black mark was no longer visible was not as accurate as I would have liked. Also the fact that it was quite difficult to achieve the exact temperature of the sodium thiosulphate solution by heating it, made the experiment a little inaccurate. To give myself completely accurate results I would have to repeat the reactions that gave me anomalous results paying attention to detail and spending longer on each experiment. However, despite this I still managed to achieve quite regular repeats and results that clearly followed and backed up my prediction.