Acid Concentration and Metals

Aim:
To determine whether the concentration of hydrochloric acid changes the speed of the
reaction which occurs when magnesium comes into contact with the acid.

Hypothesis:
A higher concentration of acid will result in greater the temperature changes, thus indicating
a quicker reaction.

Variables
Independent: Magnesium piece
Dependent: Concentration of acid
Control: Limewater

Risk Assessment:

Hazard Risk Prevention

Hydrochloric and The acid could leave burns on Wear safety goggles and gloves
Sulfuric Acid skin or cause permanent to prevent and minimise contact
damage to eyes with the acid.

Glass beakers and The glass could shatter and Utilise gloves if necessary and
thermometer cause harm. handle equipment with care.

Results:

Liquid concentration Temperature (C°)

0.1M HCL 22 degrees

1.0M HCL 25 degrees

2.0M HCL 35 degrees

2.0M H2SO4 45 degrees

Observations:
When the magnesium pieces were dropped in the acid, effervescence on the surface of the
magnesium strip could be noticed. Colourless/white gas was released and after some amount
of time, the lime water solution began to turn cloudy. The magnesium pieces began to change
in colour to a light brown after they were left in the acid for a certain amount of time.

Evaluation:
The higher the concentration of acid, the higher the temperature of the solution. The results of
the experiment were proved to be correct compared to the hypothesis of the experiment.
Conclusion:
Therefore, it can be concluded that higher concentration of acid results in faster reactions and
more aggressive results, as evidenced by the greater change in temperature. As the
concentration of the reactants decreases, the frequency of collisions decreases, and the rate of
the reactions slows down.