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Compare The Rate Of Reaction Of Sodium Bicarbonate With Citric Acid

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Experimental Process

The experiment begins with the calibration of the temperature probe and the collection of the heat solution follows by adding approximately one gram of ammonium chloride to a closed styrofoam cup with a stir rod over a heated stirring plate, which represents a closed system. The first measurement will be the initial temperature reading before adding the solvent. The following temperature measurements, conducted at small intervals to clearly see the rise in temperature as the solvent dissolves and releases heat into the closed system. These steps will be repeated with approximately one gram of sodium carbonate. This small experiment is done to analyze the temperature data over time of the reaction taking place in order to …show more content…

Similar to the start of the first experiment, the citric acid is added to the distilled water in the styrofoam cup and is allowed to begin dissolving for twenty seconds. It is important to add the citric acid to the water and not the water to the citric acid as this creates a large amount of heat to be released, causing the concentrated acid to boil violently and splash out of the container. The addition of an acid in the solution, I predict, speed up the rate of the reaction, thus releasing heat more quickly. The acid acts as a catalyst in the reaction.

Furthermore, it could be plausible from the previous conclusion, that a base could hinder or slow down a chemical reaction.

The final experiment is the solution of hydrochloric acid with magnesium and recording the maximum temperature it reaches. Each small experiment should be followed with a thorough cleaning of the styrofoam cups, lids, stirrers, temperature probe, and other glassware. The completely reacted solutions should be disposed of in the proper water area under the fume hood.

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