CHEMISTRY HL IA

Research Question – How does the enthalpy of reaction between magnesium and different acids
(Formic, Acetic, Propionic, Phosphoric, Nitric, Sulphuric, Hydrochloric Acid) vary when
measured using the calorimetric method?

INTRODUCTION
As a child, I would always end up getting hurt one way or another. I often ended up with cuts
and bruises almost every other day. One of my most distinct memories was when I accidentally
spilled some lemon concentrate in a glass all over me. I do not exactly remember the
circumstances but I clearly remember the searing pain from my forearms and knees. My mother
saw and immediately put ice on the areas affected. This was really puzzling to me at the time,
and I asked her why she needed to do that, to which she promptly answered she needed to cool
down my skin and relieve me of the burning sensation. This was a concept that I just could not
wrap my head around: Why did the lemon make my skin burn so much and why was it warming
up, such that it needed to be cooled down?

Now of course, I understand that lemon juice is acidic in nature, and that acids react vigorously
with the tissue in our skin and he elements directly underneath it, something amplified by my
numerous cuts at the time. I also realized that this reaction is exothermic in nature and raises the
temperature of the surroundings, which is my skin that must be cooled. But I still had some
unanswered questions regarding the enthalpy change of reaction for different acids. Are the
values different for each acid? Do they increase or decrease with a change in the strength of the
acid? These doubts led me to my eventual research question: How does the enthalpy of reaction
between magnesium and different acids (Formic, Acetic, Propionic, Phosphoric, Nitric,
Sulphuric, Hydrochloric Acid) vary when measured using the calorimetric method?

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
For every reaction, there is some associated energy change that goes with. Energy is either
absorbed from or released to the surroundings, known as endothermic and exothermic reactions
respectively. Enthalpy is defined as the heat content of the system, so during a reaction where
heat energy of the system is either lost or gained, there is an associated enthalpy change of
reaction (ΔH )1.
• 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO (ΔH = negative)
• C + O2 → CO2 (ΔH = negative)
• CaCO3 → CaO + CO2 (ΔH = positive)

A negative ΔH means that heat energy is lost to the surroundings, and hence translates to an
exothermic reaction. The opposite is true for an endothermic reaction, where heat energy is
gained from the surroundings.

1
Oer2go.org. (2019). Definition of enthalpy of reaction in Chemistry.. [online] Available at: http://oer2go.org/mods/en-boundless-
static/www.boundless.com/definition/enthalpy-of-reaction/index.html [Accessed 21 May 2019].

1
Acids are also known as proton donors as per the Brønsted Lowry theory2, as they dissociate
and form Hydrogen Ions (H+) when dissolved in water. However, the extent to which acids
dissociate varies greatly between them. Those acids which partially dissociate are known as
weak acids, while those which dissociate completely are known as strong acids.

Certain acids that were taken are polyprotic, which means that they contain more than more than
one replaceable H+ ion3 unlike monoprotic acids, such as Nitric Acid (HNO3). For these acids,
there are different Ka values depending on the number of H+ ions that dissociate/ionize. For a
metal and acid reaction, the acids were taken to be completely deprotonated and hence, all the Ka
values were multiplied together to obtain the correct value.

Acid Dissociation Constant

The Ka value is a ratio that expresses the equilibrium ion concentrations of an acid in an aqueous
solution against the equilibrium concentration of the undissociated acid4. It is known as the acid
dissociation constant and is one among many measures for acid strength. It is derived from the
Kc expression of a reversible reaction at equilibrium.
%&'( )*
• 𝐾𝑎 =
%)

A stronger acid will have a higher Ka value compared to that of a weaker one, as an aqueous
strong acid solution will dissociate completely. A strong acid generally has a Ka value greater
than or equal to 1 while a weak acid’s Ka value is less than one.

Calorimetric Method
The enthalpy change of reaction was calculated using the Calorimetric Method. Under this
method, there are certain key assumptions made that must be stated before any calculations are
done5:

1 No heat loss from the system

2 All the heat from the reaction transfers to the water

3 The solution is infinitely dilute


4 The density of water is 1.00 g cm–3 


2
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_Textbook_Maps/Supplemental_Modules_(Physical_
and_Theoretical_Chemistry)/Acids_and_Bases/Acid/Bronsted_Concept_of_Acids_and_Bases [Accessed 22 May 2019].
3
Libretexts. “Polyprotic Acids And Bases.” Chemistry LibreTexts, Libretexts, 2 May 2019,
chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_Textbook_Maps/Supplemental_Modules_(Physical_and_Th
eoretical_Chemistry)/Acids_and_Bases/Monoprotic_Versus_Polyprotic_Acids_And_Bases/Polyprotic_Acids_And_Bases. [Accessed
19 May 2019]
4
Brown, Catrin, and Mike Ford. Chemistry: Higher Level: Developed Specifically for the IB Diploma. 2nd ed., Pearson Education,
2014 [page 371]
5
Brown, Catrin, and Mike Ford. Chemistry: Higher Level: Developed Specifically for the IB Diploma. 2nd ed., Pearson Education,
2014 [page 222]

2
The system in this scenario consists of the acidic solution in the insulated calorimeter cup. As per
our first assumption, ∆Hsyst = 0

Therefore,

• ∆𝑯𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 + ∆𝑯𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 = 𝟎

• −∆𝑯𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 = ∆𝑯𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

We calculate the ∆𝑯 value of water using the specific heat capacity of water

• Q = m(H2O) x c(H2O) x ∆T

Hence, the molar enthalpy change of reaction can be determined as

9𝒎 𝑯𝟐𝑶 𝒄(𝑯𝟐𝑶)∆𝑻
• ∆𝑯𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 =
𝒎𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕

Taking the acid used to be the limiting reactant:

• number of moles (n) = concentration (mol dm–3) × volume (V cm3) [n = cv]6

and

• volume (V dm3) = volume (V cm3) / 1000 (cm3 dm−3) ,

we arrive at the equation

9𝒎 𝑯𝟐𝑶 𝒄(𝑯𝟐𝑶)∆𝑻
• ∆𝑯𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 = Jmol-1
𝑨𝒄𝒊𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒙 𝑽(𝑨𝒄𝒊𝒅)/𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎

Under the key assumption that the solution is infinitely dilute, we can take Vol(water) as equal to
Vol(Acid), and that the density of water is equal to 1g/cm3, it can be inferred that

• m(H2O) = V(Acid) {derived from the density equation of m = dv},

arriving at:

9𝒄(𝑯𝟐𝑶)∆𝑻(𝑯𝟐𝑶)
• ∆𝑯𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 = Jmol-1
𝑨𝒄𝒊𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 /𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎

And after factoring out the 1000 from our result, we arrive at our final equation of

9𝒄(𝑯𝟐𝑶)∆𝑻(𝑯𝟐𝑶)
• ∆𝑯𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 = kJmol-1.
𝑨𝒄𝒊𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

6
Webs.wofford.edu. (n.d.). [online] Available at: https://webs.wofford.edu/mossre/pdf/lab_solutions.pdf [Accessed 18 May 2019].

3
Other alternative methods of calculation include theoretical calculations using bond enthalpy
j klmn omopqros lt pouvwumws 9j(xyz{ |z|}~•|€ y• ‚}y{ƒ„…€)
values ( ∆𝐻 = ). However, I chose not to
m†‡kop lt ‡lˆos lt ˆr‡rwrmq pouvwumw
undertake this method, as it is theoretical and only gives a rough estimate of the Enthalpy
change. Another alternative that can be used revolves around Hess’s Law, which states that the
enthalpy change for any chemical reaction is independent of the route provided the
starting conditions and final conditions, and reactants and products, are the same7.

It is possible to arrive at the desired enthalpy change of reaction in an indirect manner using
different intermediate reactions, similar to different routes for a journey. This is done through the
use of Enthalpy Cycles, where the changes in two reactions can be added up to obtain the change
in the third reaction. These cycles are based on the principles of Conservation of Energy, such
that the total energy change for the cycle of reactions is zero8. While utilizing Hess’s Law seems
to be extremely beneficial, the procedure is extremely inefficient, with high degrees of
uncertainty due to the large number of reactions and trials being conducted. Also, certain
reactions in the cycle may be purely theoretical and are not practically possible.

Variables:

Independent Variable – Different types of acids used As per my research question, I had taken
seven different acids all with different Ka constants: Formic Acid, Acetic Acid, Propionic Acid,
Phosphoric Acid, Nitric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid and Sulfuric Acid. This mix of strong and
weak acids along with organic and inorganic acids helped obtain a clear picture of what was
under study.

Dependent Variable- Temperature Change of Solution (enthalpy change of reaction). Using

a temperature probe and Logger Pro software, the temperature of the solution was taken every
three seconds. Subtracting the starting temperature of the solution before the metal was added
from the maximum temperature obtained gives us the temperature change of water, which we
can then input into the calorimetric equation. Because the Kelvin and Celsius Temperature
system both have the same scaling factor i.e. one-degree increase in Celsius is equal to a one-
degree increase in Kelvin, the units here can be either. For convenience, I have used the Celsius
scale in my readings, as the temperature probe and Logger Pro Software operate in Celsius.
However, it is important to note that Kelvin is the standard unit of measurement for temperature.

7
Ch301.cm.utexas.edu. (2019). Hess's Law. [online] Available at:
https://ch301.cm.utexas.edu/section2.php?target=thermo/thermochemistry/hess-law.html [Accessed 21 May 2019].
8
Sandler, S. and Woodcock, L. (2010). Historical Observations on Laws of Thermodynamics†. Journal of Chemical & Engineering
Data, 55(10), pp.4485-4490.

4
 Control Variables:
Control Variable Significance of Control Method of control

Concentration shifts the equilibrium

of the acid, leading to a higher yield 0.25M solutions of each acid
Concentration of acid
of H30+ and A- ions and increases the was prepared
strength of the acids

Distilled water from the

same source was used in all
So as to ensure the specific heat
the preparations and
Water used capacity of water was as precise and
dilutions. Water was
accurate as possible.
measured using a measuring
cylinder before being used

Ensures that the acid was always the 25 cm3 of acid was used for
Volume of Acid
limiting reactant. each trial

Different metal reactions will have Magnesium was used for

Metal used
different enthalpies each trial

All trials were conducted in

the same room at room
Surrounding and beaker Temperature Constant Ka Value. temperature. Each beaker
was washed in cold water
before and after each trial

Ensures that the acid is always the

0.25 grams of Magnesium
Mass of metal used limiting reactant, hence will not affect
was used for each trial
enthalpy change values

Ensures near-constant rate for each

Particle Size of Magnesium used
trail with the same acid. Hence, the
duration of each trial would be
similar, which means that all their
Magnesium powder was
reactions would end at roughly the
used for each trial
same time. Hence, all the reactions
would end and almost the same time
and this reduces disparities in
Temperature calculations.

5
Hypothesis:

For a stronger acid, the number of available H+ (and A-) ions are more (as the Ka value is higher),
and therefore, the amount of heat energy released is more as well. As a result, the sum total of all
the heat energy released during the reaction should be greater for a stronger acid, hence a greater
enthalpy change. This train of thought led me to my hypothesis that an increase in Ka would
lead to a greater enthalpy change of reaction. It is important to remember that the Enthalpy
change is negative for these reactions. Therefore, when the term Enthalpy Change is mentioned,
it must be taken to mean the magnitude of Enthalpy Change rather than a more positive value.

METHOD:

Apparatus:

• Calorimeter x4
• Temperature Probe x4 (±0.1 oC)
• Vernier Logger
• Logger Pro Software
• 100 cm3 measuring cylinder (±0.5 cm3)
• 10cm3 pipette with thumb wheel pipette filler (±0.05)
• 50 cm3 beaker x4
• Storage jars/flasks x7
• Spatula
• Filter Paper x4
• Electronic balance (± 0.01g)
• Special Glass stirrer x4

Reagents Required:

• 150 cm3 Formic acid

• 150 cm3 Acetic Acid
• 150 cm3 Propionic Acid
• 150 cm3 Phosphoric Acid
• 150 cm3 Nitric Acid
• 150 cm3 Sulphuric Acid
• 150 cm3 Hydrochloric Acid
• Finely Powdered Magnesium

Preparation of solutions of 150 cm3 of 0.25M acid:

1. A known percentage solution of the acid was taken. Using the density and molar
mass of the acid, the mass of acid in a 0.25M solution (in 1000 cm3) was
calculated
2. From this value, the mass of acid required in a 150 cm3, 0.25 M solution was

6
 determined using molar ratios.
3. These mass values were taken and expressed with the mass of acid in 1000 cm3.
By taking another ratio of mass and volume, the volume of percentage solution
required for a 0.25M, 150 cm3 acidic solution was determined, which was then
drawn up in the 10cm3 pipette filler.
4. This volume was subtracted from 150cm3 and hence, the amount of distilled
water required for this solution was obtained. The distilled water was added first
to the jar, before the acid was mixed with it.
5. This was all repeated for every single acidic solution.

PROCEDURE:

1. Setting up Logger Pro Software

1.1. The four Temperature probes were connected to each of the four channels and it
was verified that temperatures are being correctly measured (should be room
temperature) on the Logger Pro software.
2. Setting up the Calorimeters
2.1. Measure out 25cm3 of the acidic solution (±0.5cm3) using the 100 cm3 measuring
cylinder and pour it into a 50cm3 beaker.
2.2. The beaker was placed into the calorimeter along with the special stirrer and the
cap was put back on the calorimeter.
2.3. The above set of steps were repeated in order three more times for a total of four
trials of the reaction
2.4. A temperature probe was inserted inside each calorimeter and fixed in place
using the holder. It ensured that the tip of the probe was immersed in the liquid,
but not touching the bottom of the container.
2.5. Four sets 0.25 grams (±0.01g) of Magnesium powder were measured out using
the electronic balance, and put on four different filter papers, one for each set.
3. Conducting trials
3.1. The temperatures in the beaker were constant and steady for a minimum of 30
seconds, before the data collection was started on Logger Pro (by clicking the
specific button in the interface)
3.2. One by one, each Magnesium set was poured into each calorimeter beaker by
shaking the filter paper. It was made sure that the maximum amount of
Magnesium was poured into the beakers, with next to nothing left on the filter
paper.
3.3. Each solution was stirred for around 10 seconds immediately after adding the
Magnesium.
3.4. The solutions were then periodically stirred until the temperature did not change
for around 30 seconds. After this, data collection was stopped but only when all
temperatures were constant.
3.5. The beaker was removed and the solution was disposed as waste chemicals.
Excess magnesium in each beaker was cleaned out before repeating this

7
 procedure with the next acid

Safety Precautions:

There were certain safety precautions taken, which are standard when dealing with acids. The
acids were always handled while wearing two layers of gloves (thin plastic and then latex) so as
to provide extra protection from the corrosive properties of acid, as well as to ensure that my skin
is not irritated by the latex from my allergy. Goggles were also worn when dealing with the
particularly strong acids (HsSO4, HCl, etc.). Apart from these precautions, standard Laboratory
protocol was followed so as not to disturb the other researchers while they were conducting
experiments.
Table 1. Data Table showing results immediately after being recorded, along with the
Data Collection and Processing: average temperature change.

Acid Name Ka at Trial 1/ oC Trial 2/oC Trial 3/oC Trial 4/oC

298K9,
10 Initial Final ΔT Initial Final ΔT Initial Final ΔT Initial Final ΔT
Temp. Temp Temp. Temp Temp. Temp Temp. Temp

CH3CH2COOH 1.30x10-5 30.1 36.6 6.5 29.6 36.3 6.7 30.1 36.3 6.2 29.6 35.9 6.3

CH3COOH 1.75x10-5 28.7 33.4 4.7 28.7 34.4 5.7 28.9 33.9 5.0 28.4 33.7 5.3

CH2O2
1.80x10-4 29.2 34.8 5.6 29.4 34.6 5.2 29.8 35.6 5.8 29.7 34.9 5.2
(HCOOH)

H3PO4 6.90x10-3 28.8 34.4 5.6 29.1 36.2 7.1 29.2 35.9 6.7 28.9 35.3 6.4

HNO3 2.40x101 29.1 36.8 7.7 29.0 36.2 7.2 29.2 36.3 7.1 29.4 37 7.6

H2SO4 1.00x103 29.2 43.9 14.7 28.9 43.4 14.5 29.3 44.9 15.6 29.3 45.6 16.3

HCl 1.30x106 29.5 37.5 8.0 29.5 37.3 7.8 29.4 37.4 8.0 29.3 36.8 7.3

9
Chemistry LibreTexts. (2019). E1: Acid Dissociation Constants at 25°C. [online] Available at:
https://chem.libretexts.org/Ancillary_Materials/Reference/Reference_Tables/Equilibrium_Constants/E1%3A_Acid_Dissociation_Con
stants_at_25°C [Accessed 8 May 2019].
10
Depts.washington.edu. (2019). Table of Acid and Base Strength. [online] Available at:
https://depts.washington.edu/eooptic/links/acidstrength.html [Accessed 8 May 2019].

8
Qualitative Data observed

• Effervescence was formed immediately after the reaction started, with steam being given
off
• The beaker in which the reaction was conducted became hot as the experiment
progressed. The temperature increase could be felt by touch
• Excess, unreacted Magnesium seen at the bottom of the beaker after the reaction finished

Graph 1. Temperature data collected directly from Logger Pro for Sulphuric acid. As we can see, the temperatures were all
roughly the same upon starting before rapidly increasing to their maximum and subsequently cooling back down. Temperature
difference was calculated by observing the data points and subtracting the maximum temperature from the starting temperature
for each calorimeter.

pKa Average / Uncertainty/

Acid Name Uncertainty/±°C
Value ΔT / oC kJmol-1 ± kJmol-1
HCl -6.11 7.8 0.4 -130.62 5.88
Table 2. First
H2SO4 -3.00 15.3 0.9 -256.62 15.12 processed data table.

HNO3 -1.38 7.4 0.3 -124.32 5.04

H3PO4 2.16 6.5 0.4 -108.36 5.88

CH2O2
3.74 5.5 0.3 -91.56 5.04
(HCOOH)

CH3COOH 4.76 5.2 0.5 -86.94 8.4

CH3CH2COOH 4.89 6.4 0.3 -107.94 4.2

Sample Calculation

• 37.5 – 29.5 = 8.0 oC

•.'•‘.•••.'•‘.&
• = 7.8 oC
’

The uncertainty for these values can be easily determined by calculating the difference between
the largest and smallest ΔT values, and then dividing this by 2. From here, we input the average
ΔT value into the calorimetric method formula shown earlier to
9v(%š›)∆œ(%š›)
• ∆𝐻𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = kJmol-1.
)vrn •lmvomwpuwrlm

The uncertainty for this can be derived from the usual method of calculating uncertainty when
multiplication is involved. We equate the fractional uncertainties in order to find the new
uncertainty.
•.'9‘.&
• = ±0.4°C
š
9v(%š›)(‘.•)
• = −130.62 kJmol-1
'.š ¡
'.’
• Uncertainty/ ± kJmol-1 = −130.62 = ±5.88 kJmol-1
‘.•
I took the magnitude for all of the enthalpy change values and plotted them as the Energy
released against pKa. These same calculations were performed to all data sets and the results
plotted against the pKa values, which were computed as is below.

• − log 1.30 𝑥 10¤ = −6.11

10
DATA ANALYSIS

Final Graph of acid strength v energy released

300
Energy Released/kJmol-1

250

200

150

100

50

0
-8.00 -6.00 -4.00 -2.00 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00
pKa Value

Graph 2. Graph 2. On the whole, a linear trend can be seen in the pKa value and the Enthalpy Change. As the pKa value
increases, the energy released decreases (enthalpy change becomes less negative, not shown here on graph). It is also quite
interesting that the divergence of points from the line of best fit increases as the pKa decreases.

From this graph, we can tell that strong acids have a much higher variance in their enthalpy
change as compared to weak acids. For example, despite H2SO4 having a pKa value of -3.00, the
magnitude of its enthalpy change is much greater than that of HCl (236.62 against 130.62),
whose pKa value is lower at -6.11. This level of variance is due to the strong acids being much
more reactive and the reactions more vigorous.

The error bars for each point in the graph seem to be smaller than ideal. This is because of the
large scale taken on the y-axis (to allow for all enthalpy changes), which makes the error bars
seem relatively smaller than what they actually are. The comparatively larger error bar for H2SO4
is due to the fact that its reaction was the most vigorous and released the largest amount of
energy. Hence, the uncertainty associated with it is the largest.

CONCLUSION AND EVALUATION

Conclusion:

On the whole, the enthalpy of reaction between magnesium and different acids increases with a
decrease in their Ka values when measured using the calorimetric method. However, considering
the wide variations in the individual data sets, it may be premature to definitively establish a
relationship between the two values. It seems as though there is much more variance with strong
acids’ Enthalpy Change compared to that of weak acids, as the points are less precise when pKa
is negative.

In some ways, my hypothesis was proven true but not entirely in the way that was expected. The
enthalpy change of a particular reaction is the difference in the individual energies of the

11
 reactants and products. The spontaneous exothermic reactions suggest that the energy changes
involved are from a higher energy compound to a lower energy compound. The stronger acids
are much more readily reactive as compared to the weaker ones and hence, are more
energetically unstable (are at a higher energy). Thus, the energy change from the energetically
unstable to energetically stable is much more for a strong acid than a weak one. As stated earlier,
the Ka value corresponds to the strength of an acid, as a high Ka value translates to the acid being
fully dissociated. This is, in fact, another indicator of the relatively higher energetic instability of
/ the strong acids and thus, supports the hypothesis,
Acid Name Ka at 298K -1 in that a lower pKa value (higher Ka value) means
kJmol
HCl 1.30x10 6
-130.62 a greater magnitude of enthalpy change of

reaction.
H2SO4 1.00x103 -256.62
HNO3 2.40x101 -124.32 Although the Ka value can be a key marker for the
H3PO4 6.90x10-3 -108.36 strength of an acid, this is not always the case. The
are numerous other variables that influence the
CH2O2
1.80x10-4 -91.56 energetic states and stability of all compounds. For
(HCOOH) example, the bonds between molecules could be of
CH3COOH 1.75x10-5 -86.94 differing types and definitely will be of differing
strengths (due to the different elements involved).
CH3CH2COOH 1.30x10-5 -107.94 This explains the large variance of strong acids
from the main trend line and sustains the analysis
for the weak acids.
Strengths of the Investigation:

• Simplicity of the experiment means that it can be done with other similar apparatus.
• The experiment was conducted using the LoggerPro software, instead of a thermometer.
• Made use of a Calorimeter rather than a Styrofoam cup as it reduces heat loss and makes
the results more accurate.
• The calculations used (Calorimetric Method) were also extremely intuitive while
accurate at the same time, hence reducing the scope for error during calculations.

Weaknesses of the Investigation:

Weaknesses Impact on Experiment Possible Improvements

No control over the Affects the Ka value Replace the beaker after each trial
temperature in
which the acids
were placed in
before the trial

12
Assumptions made Leads to inaccuracies in the Ensure that the reaction is conducted under
in the Calorimetric calculations of the energy change standard conditions. One could also calculate
method (highlighted and hence, the enthalpy of reaction the density of the distilled water to aid
earlier) calculations along with properly stirring the
acid solution for a suitable amount of time.

Only 4 trials being Increased chances of random errors Conduct the experiment on two separate
done for each acid affecting the result, affecting the laptops each with Logger Pro software,
reaction, due to the accuracy of the experiment thereby collecting 8 separate trials
Logger Pro software simultaneously.
having only four
ports to record
information. The
duration of each
reaction was
extremely long and
it was not possible
to repeat too many
reactions

Lack of a measuring High chance of the distilled water A higher concentration of acid could have
cylinder with volumes varying during preparation, been prepared with the same volume. This
suitable graduations which means that the concentration means that less distilled water is required and
to calculate volumes of each acid may not have been the therefore, reducing its scope for error in the
of distilled water same experiment.
during acid
preparation

Some magnesium The mass of magnesium being A small metal/steel slab would be better than
powder was left on poured would not have stayed filter paper, as it is smoother and would allow
the filter paper when constant at 0.25g. This would have for all the powder to slide off easily.
pouring it into the affected the energy change and the
solution. This was final result of enthalpy of reaction
due to it being in
powdered form

Limitations:

This investigation, while revealing, also has its biggest limitation in the fact that the enthalpy
changes are calculated indirectly, based on the change in the water temperature rather than an
actual measure of energy given out from the reaction. Because of this, assumptions were made in
that were highlighted in the previous section. To counter this, one can compare the Enthalpy
change calculated here experimentally with the enthalpy change determined using established,
literature values of these compounds (such as Enthalpy of Formation, Enthalpy of Hydration) to

13
deduce possible systematic errors and ensure that one’s readings are as accurate as possible.

Extensions of Investigation:

One possible area of investigation in the field of thermodynamics and equilibrium could be the
relationship between Entropy Change of reaction and the acid dissociation constant. This
relationship can be seen in the equations related to Gibbs Free Energy change.

• ∆G(system) = ∆H(system) – T∆S(system) 11, where ΔG refers to the change in Gibbs

free energy, T represents the temperature and ΔS represents the Entropy change.

• ∆G = –RT ln KC 12, where R is the Universal gas constant

Once we equate the two expressions, we can clearly see the relationship between the Equilibrium
Constant value. As noted earlier, the equilibrium constant value for each acid can be obtained by
multiplying the Ka value into the concentration of water. As we have our temperature fixed at
room temperature (RTP), we can easily substitute these values in the equation of

• ∆H(system) – T∆S(system) = –RT ln KC

along with the Ka[H2O] values in place of Kc and the ∆H values we have determined through this
investigation and subsequently experiment with this new relationship

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Brown, Catrin, and Mike Ford. Chemistry: Higher Level: Developed Specifically for the IB Diploma. 2nd ed.,
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 • Chemistry LibreTexts. (2019). E1: Acid Dissociation Constants at 25°C. [online] Available at:
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