01Introduction

The rate of a chemical reaction depends on the frequency of the collisions between the atoms
or ions of the reactants. In this investigation the rate at which aluminium replaces hydrogen
from a solution of hydrochloric acid will be observed.

02Materials
 » Test tube, 16 x 150 mm
 » Test tube clamp
 » Beakers 100 mL/3.4 oz, 400 mL/13.5 oz
 » Glass right angle bend
 » Rubber stoppers #0, 1 hole
 » Rubber tube 5/16" x 18"

 » Safety goggles
 » Aluminium metal
 » Hydrochloric acid, 1.0N HCI
 » Stopwatch or clock with second hand
 » Laboratory burner or a candle

03Procedure
STEP 1

Add strands of aluminium metal to 16 x 150 mm test tube. If any strands are longer than 1-
1/2", bend them in half.

STEP 2

Moisten the hole in the #0 rubber stopper and also one end of the glass right angle bend.
Carefully insert the right angle bend into the stopper. Attach the rubber tube to the other end
of the glass bend. Set the stopper assembly aside for now.

STEP 3

Put on your safety goggles and gloves. Add just enough 1.0N hydrochloric acid, HCI, to the
test tube to cover the aluminium metal, not over 1-1/2" (38.1 mm).

Note: The aluminium metal has an oxide coating on its surface. This coating acts as a barrier
between the metal and the acid, and it prevents the reaction from proceeding at its maximum
rate.

STEP 4
While holding the test tube at a 45-degree angle, gently warm the acid solution, do not boil (a
candle could be used as the heat source). The warm acid will gradually remove the oxide
coating, and the rate of reaction between the aluminium and the acid will increase.

STEP 5

Insert the stopper assembly into the test tube. Use the 13.5 oz./400 mL beaker to support the
test tube.

STEP 6

Fill the 3.4 oz/100 mL beaker with water. Place the free end of the rubber tube in the beaker.

STEP 7

Observe the rate at which bubbles of hydrogen gas are escaping from the end of the rubber
tube.

STEP 8

As soon as the rate slows down to the point where it is possible to count each bubble as it
rises to the surface, begin taking data. While one person keeps track of time, another counts
bubbles released.

Count the number of bubbles released in 30 seconds. Repeat, this process, counting the
number of bubbles released in 30-second intervals, for a total of at least eight, 30-second time
segments, or until the number of bubbles released during a 30-second interval has dropped to
about 4. Record all data.

04CONCLUSION
As the concentration of the reactants decreases, the frequency of collisions decreases, and the
rate of the reactions slows down.