Reactivity 2.2.1 and Reactivity 2.2.
9 (HL) Investigating rates of reaction
References:
R2.2.1 The rate of reaction is expressed as the change in concentration of a particular reactant/product
per unit time.
HL ONLY 2.2.9 Rate equations depend on the reaction mechanism and can only be determined
experimentally.
Aim
To compare the rate of the reaction between sodium thiosulfate and hydrochloric acid at different
concentrations of hydrochloric acid
Introduction
When we want to investigate the effect of a specific factor on the rate of a reaction, it is sometimes
convenient to choose a detectable endpoint. By timing how long it takes the reaction to reach this
endpoint under different conditions, we can compare rates of reaction.
In this lab, we will compare the time it takes for a solution to reach a certain level of turbidity
(cloudiness) as we change the concentration of one of the reactants.
Sodium thiosulfate, Na2S2O3, and hydrochloric acid, HCl, react together to form sodium chloride, sulfur
dioxide, and sulfur.
Na2S2O3(aq) + 2HCl(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + SO2(aq) + H2O(l) + S(s)
The sulphur that is formed in the reaction precipitates and causes the solution to increase in turbidity.
The end-point is identified when a black cross drawn on a piece of paper placed under the reaction
mixture is no longer visible (Figure 1).
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Figure 1
In the experiment, we will vary the concentration of HCl from 0.05 mol dm−3 to 1.0 mol dm−3.
By measuring the time, it takes for the reaction to reach the end-point in each case, we can calculate
the rate of reaction from the relationship:
1
rate ( s ) =
−1
time(s )
To compare results across different HCl concentrations, we must keep all other variables that could
influence the reaction rate as constant as possible.
Itemise those variables here and suggest how they could be controlled.
Variable to be controlled How it will be controlled
Pre-lab questions
1. Identify the dependent and independent variables in this experiment.
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2. What would you expect the effect of changing the concentration of HCl to have on the rate of
the reaction? Explain this in terms of collision theory.
3. Other than changes in turbidity, what other ways could be used to measure the rate of this
reaction?
Please note
A full risk assessment should be carried out prior to commencing this experiment.
Personal safety equipment should be worn.
Chemicals should be disposed of safely and with due regard to any environmental
considerations.
Risk assessment
Material name and chemical Associated risks Measures taken
formula
Environmental risks
Waste products (if any) Associated risks Waste management
Ethical risks
Risks to humans Justification Management
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Risks to the environment Justification Management
Equipment list
Chemicals/materials Apparatus (per group of students)
sodium thiosulfate solution, Na2S2O3(aq), 5 volumetric flasks
0.5 mol dm−3
25.00 cm3 and 10.00 cm3 pipettes
−3
hydrochloric acid, HCl(aq), 1.0 mol dm
pipette filler
burette
conical flask
white paper
black marker pen
stop clock
thermometer
Method
1. Using the 1.0 mol dm−3 HCl supplied, prepare serial dilutions of the following concentrations:
0.5 mol dm−3, 0.25 mol dm−3, 0.1 mol dm−3, and 0.05 mol dm−3.
2. Fill a burette with the 0.5 mol dm−3 sodium thiosulfate solution, then measure 25.00 cm3 of the
solution into a conical flask.
3. Place the conical flask on a piece of white paper with a black cross marked on it.
4. Pipette 25.00 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm–3 hydrochloric acid into the conical flask and time the reaction from
when the reactants mix. Stop timing when the black cross is no longer visible.
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5. Repeat the process with the four solutions of HCl of different concentrations.
6. Carry out repeat trials for each HCl concentration.
Analysis
Set your results out clearly in appropriate tables, showing qualitative data and quantitative data.
Remember to include uncertainties and units with all your measurements.
Use your data to calculate the average rate of the reaction for each concentration of HCl.
Draw graphs of time versus concentration and rate versus concentration. Refer to the first pre-
lab question to make sure you have correctly identified the dependent and independent
variables to determine which variable to plot on each axis.
Conclusion and evaluation
What can you conclude about the effect of the concentration of HCl on the rate of the reaction?
Does this fit with your expectations based on collision theory?
Calculate the % error arising from random errors in the experiment.
HL ONLY: Determine the rate equation for this reaction from your experimental data.
Itemise systematic errors and suggest modifications to the experiment to reduce these.
Reflection
What can you conclude about the order of the reaction with respect to HCl from the
experimental results?
Consider which other factors affect the rate of this reaction and could be investigated using this
‘clock’ method.
The time taken to reach the endpoint of the reaction is measured by making a subjective
judgement based on the apparent ‘disappearance’ of the black cross. Suggest a suitable control
to test the repeatability of this method.
Post–lab report
Write a report where you:
Summarize the important theoretical concepts described in this lab.
Explain why pure deionized water was not used in this experiment.
Summarize the experimental procedure.
Highlight any important health and safety matters.
Present your observations and discuss your results.
Present and justify your conclusion.
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Evaluate the process. Propose a quantitative extension for this laboratory experience.
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