Rate of Reaction between

Magnesium and Hydrochloric acid

EXPLORATION

Introduction
While learning about acids and bases in the class, my teacher would demonstrate most of their chemical
properties. As we were discussing how acids react with metals, my teacher was conducting the reaction
between Hydrochloric acid and Magnesium. He told us that acids react with metals to release hydrogen
gas, and you can witness bubbling as Hydrogen is produced. However, as the reaction took place, there
was minimal change in the flask. When that happened, my teacher instructed me to get a more
concentrated solution of Hydrochloric acid. The reaction went off as expected once I replaced the dil.
Hydrochloric acid but that got me thinking. I wondered what the exact effect of changing the
concentration was. Did it increase the yield of hydrogen or did it speed up the production of hydrogen?
After I read a little bit about the issue in my course companion, I understood that increasing the
concentration only increases the rate of reaction, not the amount of product formed. The entire incident
made me want to investigate the rate of reaction and one of its factors.

Once I had chosen the reaction, I brainstormed the various aspects that influence the rate of reaction. I
originally thought of investigating the relationship between temperature and rate of reaction. However,
upon further inquiry I found that the thermostat in the school laboratory is not too effective when it comes
to maintaining temperature, therefore, it would be extremely difficult to get accurate readings from that. I
discussed the issue with my teacher and on his recommendation; I chose concentration as my area of
exploration.

When thinking of ways to measure the rate of reaction, I carefully considered the reactants and products.
Having a gas on the products side meant the rate of reaction could be measured by weight, but since the
gas is Hydrogen (which is extremely light), mass wouldn’t be a good way to go about the experiment.
After some research, I concluded that using a gas syringe would be the ideal way to measure rate of
reaction, since I could clock the reaction, and plot a graph of the volume of products formed against time.

Background Research
Magnesium and Hydrochloric acid react together to create a salt and Hydrogen gas. It is a displacement
reaction where Magnesium displaces the Chloride Ion from the Hydrochloric acid. The reaction is as
follows.

Mg(s) + 2 HCl(aq)  MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

This reaction uses the kinetic energy of Magnesium and HCl molecules. The reaction takes place when
the reacting molecules collide successfully with each other. This understanding of chemical kinetics is put
forward by the collision theory. According to the collision theory, the rate of a reaction is dependent on
the frequency and geometric orientation of collisions between the reacting molecules. Since the
movement of molecules is largely random, the accuracy of collisions is absolutely independent. However,
by changing a factor such as concentration, the frequency of collisions can be influenced. For example, by
increasing the concentration of the Hydrochloric acid, the number of HCl molecules in the reaction
increases. Having a larger number of molecules compressed in the same volume increases the frequency
of collisions and by increasing the frequency of collisions, the probability of accurate collisions
increases1.

Research Question
“How does the rate of reaction between Magnesium and Hydrochloric acid depend on the concentration
of Hydrochloric acid?”

Hypothesis
Based on the aforementioned collision theory, I think that the rate of reaction is directly proportional to
the concentration of Hydrochloric acid. As concentration increases, the rate of reaction will increases and
vice versa, provided other factors remain constant.

Preliminary Data
Collection of preliminary data for this experiment was absolutely imperative. Originally, I was going to
take concentrations of Hydrochloric acid varying between 0.1 and 1 moldm-3. After taking preliminary
test, I realized that 0.1 moldm-3, 0.2 moldm-3, etc. were too dilute and the reaction was too long to be
properly clocked. After that I found that I can only take concentrations above 0.5 moldm-3. Also, while
collecting data from the gas syringe, I noticed that the gas being collected was more than the syringe
could measure. To bypass that problem, I shortened the length of the magnesium strip. After I found the
ideal length, I weighed it to ensure uniformity in the experiment and minimize random error. Lastly,
based on the data from preliminary tests, I understood that using 50 cm3 of Hydrochloric acid would
produce best results with the gas syringe and idealize the time taken for completion of reaction. Taking
this in mind, I prepared 250 cm3 of Hydrochloric acid, each with different concentrations.

Controlled Variables
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE CONTROLLED VARIABLES

Surface area of Magnesium

Time Volume of Hydrogen gas Initial temperature of reaction
collected at regular intervals of mixture
10 seconds Volume of Hydrochloric acid
Mass of Magnesium
Table 1

Method of Control
The surface area of Magnesium- The rate of this reaction can be influenced by the surface area of
magnesium in contact with the Hydrochloric acid. Therefore, to minimize that error, instead of cutting the
magnesium strip into little pieces, that would have made it easier to weigh, I ensured all 0.5g pieces of
magnesium were in one continuous strip, as described in the methodology. I could have used magnesium
powder to achieve the same goal, but there are various safety and health hazards associated with

1
Brown, C., & Ford, M. (2014). Standard Level Chemistry. Harlow: Pearson.
magnesium powder that will be explained later in the exploration. I thought it would be best to bypass the
safety issues adopting this method.

The initial temperature- Temperature can have a drastic influence on the rate of reaction. Hence, the
initial temperature of all the reactions must be kept constant. While conducting the experiment, it is ont
possible to keep temperature constant since it is an exothermic reaction.

The volume of Hydrochloric acid was measured to a constant of 50 cm3 using a measuring cylinder and
the mass of Magnesium was fixed at 0.5g using an electronic weighing scale.

Materials Required
Chemicals

Serial Name Formula Physical State of Molar Mass (gmol-1)

No. Matter
1. Hydrochloric acid HCl Liquid 36.46

2. Magnesium Mg Solid (strips) 24.31

3. Distilled Water H2O Liquid 18.02

Table 2

Apparatus

Serial Name Quantity Capacity (cm3) Least Count Uncertainty

No.
1 Conical Flask 1 100 N/A N/A

2 Volumetric Flask 5 250 250 cm3 N/A

3 Measuring 1 50 1 cm3 ±0.5 cm3

Cylinder
4 Measuring 1 100 1 cm3 ±0.5 cm3
Cylinder
5 Gas Syringe 1 60 1 cm3 ±0.5 cm3

6 Stopwatch 1 N/A 0.1 s ±0.1 s

7 Electronic 1 N/A 0.1˚C ±0.1˚C

Thermometer
8 Electronic 1 N/A 0.01 g ±0.01 g
Weighing Scale
9 Fume Chamber 1 N/A N/A N/A

Table 3
Safety Measures
 HCl is an highly corrosive acid. It can harm and burn your hands, eyes, etc. In order to avoid this,
one must be cautious and wear a lab coat, gloves and safety goggles at all times. Hydrochloric
acid also has a pungent odour. While dealing with higher concentrations of the acid, it is
recommended to operate in the fume chamber of the laboratory.
 When handling Magnesium, one must be careful about the powder. Magnesium powder can have
detrimental effects if it is accidentally ingested in the body, or if it enters the eyes, nose, etc. If
one chooses to use Magnesium powder, precautions such as safety goggles must be taken, and
there should be no eating, drinking or smoking in the laboratory.2

Ethical and Environmental Hazards

 As mentioned earlier, the surface area of magnesium was controlled in the experiment by cutting
continuous strips of magnesium instead of tiny pieces. However, this method produced a
considerable amount of leftover magnesium. Instead of wasting it, I stored it safely in the
laboratory for future use.
 While working in the lab, it is necessary to abide by Lab instructions, For example, after every
day of data collection, I would meticulously wash and stack all the used apparatus.
 Chemicals such as Hydrochloric acid were not always fully used in the experiment. The
remaining Hydrochloric acid of various concentrations was kept by me in the chemical waste
compartment of the laboratory, from where it is disposed in accordance to the rules and
regulations of the local municipality.

Methodology
Preparation of reagents:

1) Calculate the amount of Hydrochloric acid required for the preparation of 250 ml solution of
desired concentration. E.g. to make one liter of 1 moldm-3 Hydrochloric acid, 89.8cm3 of acid is
required, then for 250 cm3 of 1 moldm-3 Hydrochloric acid is to be produced, 22.5 cm3 of acid is
required.
2) Add the calculated amount of Hydrochloric acid to a 250 cm3 volumetric flask.
3) Fill the flask up till the 250 cm3 mark with distilled water.
4) Repeat the steps to make 0.7 moldm-3, 1.5 moldm-3, 2.0 moldm-3and 2.5 moldm-3Hydrochloric
acids,
(Use 15.75 cm3, 33.75 cm3, 45 cm3 and 56.25 cm3 of Hydrochloric acid respectively)

It is recommended these steps are carried out in a fume chamber due to the pungent odour of the
acid.

5) Cut a little more than 2.5cm of a magnesium strip.

6) Weigh the magnesium strip.
7) If the mass is more than 0.5g, then carefully cut bits out of the strip till it weighs 0.5g.

If the strip weighs less than 0.5g on the first try, then cut the strip into small pieces and store it in
the lab for future use.

Reaction

2
 1) For the reaction, measure 50 cm3 of Hydrochloric acid into a measuring cylinder, then pour the
acid into a conical flask.
2) Add the 0.5g strip of Magnesium, and at the same time start the stopwatch.
3) In order to produce accurate results, it is necessary to attach the gas syringe to the conical flask as
the stopwatch is started.
4) Lastly, at every ten seconds, record the volume of Hydrogen gas in the gas syringe, and use it to
plot a graph that will show you the rate of reaction.

Visual Observations

1) Since Hydrogen gas is produced in the reaction, a bubbling will be noticed as soon as the
Magnesium is dropped into the Hydrochloric acid. Slight fumes can also be witnessed.
2) Depending on the concentration of Hydrochloric acid, the gas syringe will stay at 0 cm3 for a
while and it will suddenly start to rise rapidly. The rise in the gas syringe will start at different
times depending on the concentration of Hydrochloric acid, but once it starts, the increase in
volume of Hydrogen gas in the syringe will be rather rapid.

Data Collection
Time is the independent X-axis in this reaction; therefore, I took readings at fixed intervals of 5-10
seconds. Every 5-10 seconds I would write down the volume of Hydrogen gas collected in the syringe. I
addition to that, I also wrote down the exact time every reaction reached completion, because I thought
that would be valuable information.

0.7 moldm-3 1.0 moldm-3 1.5 moldm-3 2.0 moldm-3 2.5 moldm-3

Time Volume of Time Volume of Time Volume of Time Volume of Time Volume of
(±0.1s) Hydrogen (±0.1s) Hydrogen (±0.1s) Hydrogen (±0.1s) Hydrogen (±0.1s) Hydrogen
(±0.5cm3) (±0.5cm3) (±0.5cm3) (±0.5cm3) (±0.5cm3)
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

10 0 10 0 10 0 10 15 5 10

20 0 20 0 20 26 20 40 10 36

30 0 30 0 30 42 30 51 15 47

40 0 40 2 40 52 40 51 20 50

50 0 50 15 50 52 50 51 30 50

60 0 60 26 60 52 60 51 40 50

70 0 70 37 70 52 70 51 50 50

80 0 80 46 80 52 80 51 60 50

90 7 90 46 90 52 90 51 70 50

100 21 100 46 100 52 100 51 80 50

110 37 110 46 110 52 110 51 90 50

120 46 120 46 120 52 120 51 100 50

130 51 130 46 130 52 130 51 110 50

140 51 140 46 140 52 140 51 120 50

150 51 150 46 150 52 150 51 130 50

Table 4

0.7 moldm-3
60
Volume of Hydrogen

50

40
(±0.5cm3)

30

20 0.7 Molar

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
-10
Time (±0.1s)

Figure 1

1.0 moldm-3
60
Volume of Hydrogen

50

40
(±0.5cm3)

30

20 1.0 Molar

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
-10
Time (±0.1s)

Figure 2
 1.5 moldm-3
60
Volume of Hydrogen

50

40
(±0.5cm3)

30

20 1.5 Molar

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
-10
Time (±0.1s)

Figure 3

2.0 moldm-3
60
Volume of Hydrogen (±0.5cm3)

50

40

30

20 2.0 Molar

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Time (±0.1s)

Figure 4
 2.5 moldm-3
60
Volume of Hydrochloric

50

40
(±0.5cm3)

30

20 2.5 Molar

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Time (±0.1s)

Figure 5

Data Analysis
X-axis

The independent axis for this experiment is time. While measuring the rate of reaction, I will plot the Y-
axis against the time required for the reaction to take place.

Y-axis

Against the independent axis of time, I plotted the volume of Hydrogen gas collected in the syringe. The
dependent Y-axis was volume of products in the experiment.

The graphs in this particular reaction, is based on the quantity of product (Hydrogen Gas) produced. The
graph starts at zero because initially, there are no products. Depending on the rate of reaction, the graph
starts to slope steeply upward, and once the reaction is complete, it reaches a standstill.

After plotting all the graphs, I thought an ideal comparative analysis could only take place if I put all
these curves next to each other, in one graph:
 Difference in Rate of Reaction with
Concentration
60
Volume of Hydrochloric (±0.5cm3)

50

40
0.7 Molar
30
1.0 Molar
20 1.5 Molar
2.0 Molar
10
2.5 Molar
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
-10
Time (±0.1s)

Figure 6

As evident from the graph above- as concentration of Hydrochloric acid increases, the rate of reaction
increases, showing that they are directly proportional. What is more, the curves seem to be moving further
apart as the concentration is lowered.

As mentioned earlier, during the Data collection, I kept track of the exact time the reaction reached
completion. I thought it would be interesting to observe the trend in the time taken to complete the
reaction at different concentrations. So, I plotted a graph, were the independent X-axis is the different
concentrations of HCl, and the Y-axis is the Time taken to complete the reaction.

Time taken for reaction Concentration of Hydrochloric acid

to complete(±0.1s) (moldm-3)
130 0.7 (±3%)

81 1.0 (±2%)

37 1.5 (±1.5%)

24 2.0 (±1%)
 16 2.5 (±1%)

Table 5

Time taken for reaction to cease (±0.1s) vs

Concentration of Hydrochloric
140
Time taken for reaction to cease

120

100

80
(±0.1s)

60 Time taken for reaction to

cease (s)
40

20

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Concnetration of Hydrochloric

Figure 7

Evidently from the graph above, as concentration rises, the time taken for the reaction to complete is
decreasing at a decreasing rate. The time taken for the reaction to complete is exponentially decreasing.
Since rate of reaction and time taken for reaction are inversely proportional (1/t = r), this indicates that the
rate of reaction increases exponentially (increases at an increasing rate) as the concentration increases.

Uncertainty

The uncertainty of all the lab instruments used is mentioned in the beginning of the document, and
accounted for in all the tables.

In addition to that, the uncertainty of random error can be calculated from the data collected. Since at least
three readings of every reaction were taken, the uncertainty between those can be calculated using the
formula:
𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 − 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
2
Using this formula, I created the following table for the reaction with 1 moldm-3 Hydrochloric acid. using
this reaction as a template, a trend can be recognized for all the other concentrations:

First Run Second Run Third Run Uncertainty

Time Volume of Time Volume of Time Volume of
(±0.1s) H2 (±0.5cm3) (±0.1s) H2 (±0.5cm3) (±0.1s) H2 (±0.5cm3)
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 10 0 10 0 0
20 0 20 0 20 0 0
30 0 30 0 30 0 0
40 6 40 0 40 0 ±3 cm3

50 21 50 10 50 14 ±5.5 cm3
60 30 60 24 60 24 ±3 cm3
70 41 70 34 70 36 ±3.5 cm3

80 47 80 45 80 46 ±1 cm3

90 47 90 45 90 46 ±1 cm3

Table 6

Errors and limitations

It is understandable that any reaction conducted in the lab will not be perfect due to many unavoidable
limitations and errors. This leads to a difference in the literature value and the obtained value of an
experiment. In this case it is evident from graph 6, that though the reactants are identical every time,
the yield of products randomly varies a little every time. This discrepancy can be caused due to any of
the following reasons:

 While conducting the experiment, the gas syringe is attached to immediately after the magnesium
strip is added. Since attaching the gas syringe is a manual procedure, the time frame between the
addition of magnesium and the attachment of gas syringe is considerable, in which time the
reaction has started and some of the products escape, thus hampering the collected data.
 There is a minute disparity between the time recorded and the actual time, since it is a clocked
reaction where the volume of Hydrogen in the gas syringe needs to be checked every 10 seconds
but it is almost impossible to manually check the gas syringe at the precise time.
 While making the Hydrochloric acids, human errors can cause imprecise measurements.
Accidentally taking the upper meniscus of a liquid during measuring can cause slight mistakes,
this is called the parallax error.
  Finally, there are other unavoidable environmental limitations. For example, mild changes in
temperature that influence the rate of reaction, of change in the current of wind, that influences
the electronic weighing scale.

Error Improvement
 Having a lab assistant in the lab can be of great help while trying to multitask. In the given
reaction, the stopwatch needs to be started at the same time as the magnesium is added to the
Hydrochloric acid, and the gas syringe should ideally be attached at the same time. Since it is
impossible for one person to do all three actions at the same time, having a lab assistant with you
helps divide the actions and minimize the time lost in a clocked reaction.
 The time disparity in this reaction can be minimized with better equipment. Time disparity exists
because it is a manually clocked reaction. Instead, if a gas probe or a pressure probe is used for
the reaction, the time could be electronically recorded, thus minimizing the error.
 Gaining experience in the lab and being careful while conducting your experiments is the only
way to minimize random human errors such as the parallax error.

Conclusion
According to my hypothesis, I conducted the experiment to explore the relationship between the
concentration of Hydrochloric acid and the rate of its reaction with Magnesium. From my collected data,
not only did I confirm my hypothesis, but also made further observations into the topic. For example,
while I confirmed that an increase in concentration causes an increase in the rate of reaction, I also
discovered that the rate of reaction increases at an increasing rate (exponentially).

Further Study
 Deriving from this exploration, investigating other factors that influence rate of reaction could be
an interesting idea. Observing the effects of temperature on the rate of reaction could be a
continuing experiment from this.
 The surface area of magnesium was a controlled factor for this experiment, but learning about its
impacts on the rate of reaction could be an interesting area of study. An experiment where instead
of concentration of Hydrochloric acid, the surface area of Magnesium varies, and all other
variables influencing rate of reaction are kept constant.
 Finally, a comparative analysis of all the factors that influence rate of reaction could be a vast
area of study. Investigating which factor has the greatest impact on the rate of reaction would be
an intriguing research topic.

Bibliography
Brown, C., & Ford, M. (2014). Standard Level Chemistry. Harlow: Pearson.

https://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/mg.htm

https://www.msdsonline.com/2014/09/10/hydrochloric-acid-hazards-safety-tips/

https://www.scribd.com/doc/130420901/Magnesium-and-Hydrochloric-Acid-Lab-Report

https://chemdemos.uoregon.edu/demos/Magnesium-and-Hydrochloric-Acid
 Feedback on Criteria

Descriptors Criteria Marks Remarks

(Max.marks)/ on first
% weightage) draft
Personal 2 ( 8%) 1 The evidence of personal engagement with the
Engagement exploration is limited. There is little independent thinking,
initiative or creativity.
(P.E) You must demonstrate this in your report.
Exploration (E) 6 (25%) 3-4 The background information provided is of some
relevance and support the understanding of the context of
the investigation to a some extent.
The methodology of the investigation is only appropriate
to address the RQ to a limited extent. You took into
consideration a few of the significant factors that may
influence the reliability, sufficiency of the collected data.
Include more factors.
The report show evidence of some awareness of the
significant safety, ethical or environmental issues which
are associated to your investigation [Good]
Include impact on the environment.
Detailed comments are given with title [Ex..]
Work on it.
Analysis (A) 6(25%) 2 A lot of work is to be done. Detailed comments are given
with title [A]
 Insufficient data to support valid conclusion
 Evidence of little consideration of the impact of
measurement uncertainty on the analysis.
 The processed data is insufficiently interpreted
so that the conclusion is incomplete.
You need to think, analyze and interpret the data.

Evaluation (E) 6(25%) 2 Very weak.

 Strengths and weaknesses of the investigation
such as limitations of the data and sources of
error are not properly outlined.
 You have not discussed realistic and relevant
suggestions for the improvement and extension
of the investigation.
You have to work on it.
Detailed comments are given with title [E]

Communication 4 (17%) 2 Very poor communication. The presentation of the

(C) investigation is unclear, making it difficult to understand
the focus, process and outcomes. For details see the
comments with C
Total= 11 out
of 24