Create a copy of this document and share with editing abilities to your entire group so you

can plan collaboratively. Plan your method (Everything you need to complete is
highlighted).

Group Members:

SCH4U

Lab: Factors Affecting Rate of Reaction of Alka-Seltzer or Peroxide

Your task is to measure the rate of reaction for 1 reaction under different conditions, in order to recommend the optimal
use of the product. Your research team will choose a reaction, a way to change the conditions and a way to measure the
rate of reaction.

Reaction 1
Alkaseltzer contains citric acid and sodium bicarbonate.
The instructions on the package state to dissolve it in
water first, and have a maximum dosage to help
neutralize excess stomach acid. When the tablet dissolves
in water, the reaction occurs in a few steps. The products
of the final reaction would then go on to react with
stomach acid (HCl)
Reaction 2
Hydrogen peroxide decomposes to produce oxygen gas
and water. This reaction has several applications in first
aid and body chemistry. H2O2 is generally unstable, and
decomposes in the presence of light or heat. We store
peroxide used for first aid in order to stop it from
reacting.
H2O2 (l) → H2O (l) + O2 (g)

step 1: C6H8O7 (s) + NaHCO3 (s) → H2CO3 (aq) + NaC6H7O7 (aq)
step 2: H2CO3 (aq) → H2O (l) + CO2(g)
overall: C6H8O7 (s) + NaHCO3 (s) → NaC6H7O7 (aq) + H2O (l) + CO2(g)
Even so, at room temperature, with no catalyst, this
reaction is very slow. Some inorganic catalysts like
potassium iodide (KI) can increase the rate of reaction
(as can enzymes in your body)

Materials
● balance ● distilled water ● 3% hydrogen peroxide
● pH sensor (click link for how-to ) ● stopper, tubing & tub (figure 1) ● potassium iodide, 2mol/L
● hot plate ● assorted lab ware as needed (Catalyst for H2O2 reaction)
● ice ● alkaseltzer tablets (4 per group)

Prelab:
1. Complete the charts below to start brainstorming possibilities for an experiment.

Brainstorm Variables
What can you measure (Dependent variables) ? What can you change (to affect the rate)? (Independent
variables)
Choose 1 reaction and decide what independent and dependent variable you will test, and others you need to control.

Choose 1 Independent Variable Choose 1 Dependent Variable Controlled Variable(s)

(The variable/factor I will (The variable I will measure, to (The conditions to control)
change) find the rate of reaction.)

2. Prediction: If I change _____________________ then the rate will be _______________________

because _______________________________________________________________________________.

Planning Tips
● Pictures of some methods are in the Slides and shown on pg. 361-362, and 388
● When collecting data, consider what time interval will give you lots of data points (a closer time interval is better,
but may be hard to record). You may want to conduct your reaction once to observe how fast it is and decide
what methods will work.
● If measuring mass, make sure the labware + reaction mixture will not be over the balance’s max (200g).
● Video to show measuring mass change for rate of reaction: https://youtu.be/0RUYNpdnALg
● Video for measuring volume change for rate of reaction: https://youtu.be/1kq1nvoMdj8

Method:
Record your group's planned method. Draw a doodle and paste it in this document. Include diagrams where they
help explain a set up more clearly or concisely than steps.

Safety: Once you’ve decided what chemicals (and concentrations) you’d like to use, create a prelab chart for reactants
and products, including hazards, precautions, molar mass and solubility.

1.
2.
3.

Results
Design a data table to record your rate of reaction data.

Analysis: Do necessary calculations to convert your measurements to moles or concentration. Graph the moles or mol/L
of reactant or product vs. time for all trials on 1 graph to visually compare the rates for all trials. Calculate average rate of
reaction for all trials.

Tips:
● When comparing your rates for different trials, use the same time interval for all trials.

● To find your rate of reaction and compare between the different trials, you need to create a graph of moles vs.
time. Consider how you can convert your mass, volume or pH to this.
● Video tips for Converting pH to mol/L of H+

● Video tips for Converting mL of gas to moles of gas

Discussion
Compare the rate of reaction determined for different trials. Does the pattern agree with your prediction? How can the
pattern for reaction rate be explained using collision theory, fraction of effective collisions and/or collision frequency?

What sources of error could affect your measured rate of reaction, and/or conducting a FAIR TEST between your different
trials? Explain how the errors would impact your final calculated rates, and how the errors could be avoided through
improvements to the method.