Chapter 7: Rate of Reaction

Definition:
Rate of reaction is the change in the quantity of reactant or products per unit time.

7.1 Measuring The Rate of Reaction

Changes in selected quantity

Rate of reaction = Time taken

Examples of the changes;

• Increase in volume of gas liberated
• Decrease in mass of a reactant
• Formation of precipitation

Relationship between rate of reaction with time taken

The higher the rate of reaction, the shorter the time taken and vice versa

7.1.2 Average Rate of Reaction:

Changes in selected quantity

Average rate of reaction =
Time taken

Example 1:

Time (min)

Determine the average rate of reaction in the Determine the average rate of reaction
t1 minute i) from the time t1 to t2
ii) in the t2 minute
= total volume of gas collected in the first t1 second
Time taken = total volume of gas collected from the time t1 to t2
Time taken
V1−0
=
t1−0
V2−V1
= cm3 min-1
V1 t2−t1
= t1
cm3 min-1

Rate of reaction / CEW / 2023

1
Example 2:
Table below shows the volume of carbon dioxide gas, CO2 collected in the reaction between a limestone and
dilute hydrochloric acid.
Time/ minute 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5
Burette reading / cm3 50.00 45.50 42.50 40.00 37.50 35.50 34.00 33.00 33.00 33.00
Volume of CO2 / cm3
To calculate the average rate of reaction:

a) What is the average rate of reaction during the first two minutes?
total volume of carbon dioxide gas collected in the first two minutes
= time taken

b) What is the average rate of reaction during the second minutes? (unit in cm3 min-1)
volume of carbon dioxide gas collected between first and second minutes
= time taken

c) What is the average rate of reaction in the third minutes? (unit in cm3 min-1)
𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑏𝑜𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑔𝑎𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑟𝑑 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠
= 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛

d) What is the overall average rate of reaction? (unit in cm3 min-1)

the total volume of carbon dioxide gas released
= time taken

2
7.1.3 Rate of Reaction at Given/Instantaneous Time
The actual rate of reaction at that instant time
Instantaneous rate of reaction = Gradient of the curve at that instant

Solution: 1) Plot a graph

2) Draw a tangent
3) Find the gradient

Example:
Question:
3
Volume of gas (cm )
Determine the instantaneous rate of reaction at t.
A
change in volume of the gas
=
change in time
B
A−B
C D
Time(s) = cm3 s-1
D−C

7.1.4 Meaning of the shape of a curve:

Volume of gas (cm3)

17.0

7.5

Time (s)
60 210

1. a) The instantaneous rate of reaction at 60s is higher than the instantaneous rate of reaction at 210s.

b) The difference in rate is due to

i) The concentration of hydrochloric acid at 210s is lower than the concentration of hydrochloric acid
at 60s.
ii) The total surface area of limestone at 210s is smaller than the total surface area of limestone
at 60s.

2. From the graph plotted, it can be seen that the gradient of the curve decreases with time. Hence, the
rate of reaction decrease with time.

3. As the reaction proceeds, the total surfaced area of limestone and the concentration of hydrochloric acid
decrease with time. Hence, the rate of reaction decreases with time. The rate of reaction will finally
become zero, that is, the reaction stop when one or both the reactants are completely reacted.
3
One Of The Factor That Affect The Rate Of Reaction

Experiment

Aim : To investigate the total surface area of a reactant affects the rate of reaction.
Problem statement : Will the increase of total exposed surface area of the marble chips increase the rate
ofreaction?
Hypothesis : When the total surface area of the marble chips increases, the rate of reaction
increases. (Relate manipulated variable to responding variable to get the full marks)

Variable: When describe an experiment must have

Manipulated : ………………………………… 1. Suitable container with volume
2. Volume of apparatus
Responding : ………………………………… 3. Volume and concentration of solution
4. Physical state
Fixed : ………………………………… 5. Action word (Pour/add/place/put)

Materials and apparatus:

50 cm3 of 0.1 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid, large marble chips, small crushed marble chips, 100 cm3
measuring cylinder, 100 cm3 conical flask, stopper with delivery tube, basin, burette, electronic balance and
stopwatch.

Procedure:
1. A burette is filled with water until it is full. It is then inverted over water in a basin and clamped
vertically using a retort stand.
2. The water level in the burette is adjusted and the initial burette reading is recorded.
3. 50 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid is measured using a measuring cylinder and poured in a
conical flask.
4. The apparatus as shown in figure below is set up.
5. 2.0 g of large marble chips weighted using an electronic balance and added to the acid in the conical
flask. The conical flask is closed immediately with a stopper fitted with a delivery tube. At the same
time a stopwatch is started.
6. The carbon dioxide gas released is collected in the burette by downward displacement of water as
shown in figure below.
7. The conical flask is shaken slowly throughout the whole experiment.
8. The volume of gas collected in the burette is recorded at regular intervals of 30 seconds until no
more gas is released.
9. Step 1-8 is repeated using 2.0 g of small crushed marble chips to replace 2.0 g of large marble chips.
All the other conditions remain unchanged.

Carbon dioxide
Hydrogen gas gas

Water
displacement
Large marble chips method

Water
4
50 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid
Effect of Total surface area Effect of concentration of reactant
Reaction of HCl(aq) with zinc powder Reaction of HCl(aq) with excess calcium carbonate powder
Carbon dioxide gas
Excess hydrochloric acid
0.2 mol dm-3
Hydrogen gas
Excess calcium
Volume carbonate powder water
Zinc powder
of H2
released Volume 40
(cm3) of CO2 20
released 10
3 -3
(cm3)
50 cm of 1.0 mol dm sulphuric Time/s
acid Example: 0
Time/s
Example: Graph 1: 0.5 mol dm-3 HCl, 20cm3 of HCl
Graph 1: Large zinc granule Graph 2: 1.0 mol dm-3 HCl, 20cm3 of HCl
Graph 2: Small zinc granule Mass of zinc are the same, Graph 3: 2.0 mol dm-3 HCl, 20cm3 of HCl
Graph 3: Powdered zinc surface area not the same.
Hypothesis: The higher the concentration of hydrochloric acid, the
Hypothesis: The smaller the size of zinc, the higher the rate of reaction. higher rate of reaction.
Or
The larger the total surface area of zinc, the higher the rate Compare Experiment 1 and Experiment 2:
of reaction. - The rate of reaction for Experiment 2 is higher than Experiment 1.
- The concentration of HCl in Experiment 2 is higher than Expm 1.
Compare Experiment 1 and Experiment 3:
- The rate of reaction in experiment 3 is higher than expm 1 because, - The number of hydrogen ion/ H+ per unit volume in Experiment 2

- The zinc powder is smaller size than zinc granule. is higher than Experiment 1.

- The zinc powder has a larger total surface area than zinc granule. - The frequency of collision between H+ ions and calcium carbonate in

- The frequency of collision between zinc atoms and hydrogen ions is Experiment 2 is higher than Experiment 1.

- higher in experiment 3. - The frequency of effective collision in Experiment 2 is higher than

- The frequency of effective collision also increases in experiment 3. Experiment 1.

5
Effect of temperature Effect of type of catalyst
Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide molecule, H2O2
Reaction of HCl(aq) With Sodium thiosulphate(aq)

Volume of
O2
released
Temperature Temperature (cm3)
(°C) (°C)

Time/s

1 (s-1) Graph 1: Without catalyst volume of H2O2 are

Time/s Time Graph 2: Manganese dioxide, MnO2 used as catalyst kept constant

Hypothesis:
Hypothesis: Catalyst will increase the rate of reaction of decomposition of H2O2.
The higher the temperature of sodium thiosulphate solution, the
Compare Experiment 1 and 2:
higher the rate of reaction.
1. The rate of reaction for Experiment 2 is higher than Expm 1.
Example: Expm 1 at 30°C ; Expm 2 at 50°C
2. Manganese (IV) oxide, MnO2 (catalyst) provide an alternative
- The rate of reaction is higher in Expm 2.
pathway with lower activation energy .
- The kinetic energy of reactants is higher in expm 2.
3. More collision between hydrogen peroxide molecule able to
- Thiosulphate ions, S2O32- will now move faster at 50°C.
achieve the activation energy // able to overcome the activation
- Frequency of collision between thiosulphate ions and hydrogen ions
energy.
is higher in Expm 2.
4. The frequency of effective collision increases.
- Frequency of effective collisionis higer in Expm 2.
* For the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid, copper (II)
sulphate is used as the catalyst.
(expm in page 12)
6
Shapes of curves depend on the volume and concentration of a reactant

Experiment Initial rate of Maximum of hydrogen gas released Graph

reaction
Set I: The initial rate of Zn is in excess. Volume of H2 (cm2)
1 g of excess Zn set I is lower than No. of moles of HCl in set I = MV = 0.1 x (50/1000) = 0.005 mol II
3
powder + 50 cm of that of set II. No. of moles of HCl in set II = MV = 0.2 x (30/1000) =0.006 mol
I
0.10 mol dm-3 HCl
Maximum volume of
H2 gas is lower
Set II: This is because The no. of mole of HCl in set I is lower than that in set II.
1 g of excess of Zn the concentration Hence, maximum volume of H2 released in set I is lower than that in set II. Time (s)
3
Lower gradient.
powder + 30 cm of of HCl in set I is So it initial rate is lower.
0.20 mol dm-3 HCl lower than that in *The concentration in set II is higher than in set I, so the gradient of set II is
set II. steeper than set I.
Set I: The initial rate of Zn is in excess. Volume of H2 (cm2)
1 g of excess Zn set I is higher No. of moles of HCl in set I = 0.005 mol
III
powder + 50 cm3 of than that of set No. of moles of HCl in set III = MV = 0.05 x (150/1000) =0.0075 mol
0.10 mol dm-3 HCl III. I
Maximum volume of H2
gas is lower
Set III: This is because The no. of mole of HCl in set I is lower than that in set III.
1 g of excess Zn the concentration Hence, maximum volume of H2 released in set I is lower than that in set III. Higher gradient. Time (s)
So it initial rate is
powder + 150 cm3 of of HCl in set I is
higher.
0.05 mol dm-3 HCl higher than that in *The concentration in set I is higher than in set III, so the gradient of set I is
set III steeper than set III.
7
Set I: The initial rate of Zn is in excess.
Volume of H2 (cm2)
1 g of excess Zn set I is lower than No. of moles of HCl in set I = 0.005 mol
powder + 50 cm3 of that of set IV. No. of moles of HCl in set IV = MV = 0.15 x (25/1000) =0.0038 mol I
-3
0.10 mol dm HCl
IV
Set IV: This is because The no. of mole of HCl in set I is higher than that in set IV. Maximum volume
of H2 gas is lower.
1 g of excess Zn the concentration Hence, maximum volume of H2 released in set I is higher than that in set
Time (s)
powder + 25 cm3 of of HCl in set I is III. Lower gradient.
So it initial rate
0.15 mol dm-3 HCl lower than that in is lower.
set IV. * The concentration of HCl in set IV is higher than set I, so the gradient of
set IV is steeper than set I.
Set I: The initial rate of Zn is in excess. Volume of H2 (cm2)
1 g of excess Zn set I is higher No. of moles of HCl in set I = 0.005 mol
powder + 50 cm3 of than that of set V. No. of moles of HCl in set V = MV = 0.05 x (100/1000) =0.005 mol I
-3
0.10 mol dm HCl V Maximum volume
of H2 gas in Set I and
Set V are the same
Set V: This is because The no. of mole of HCl in set I and set V are the same.
1 g of excess Zn the concentration Hence, maximum volume of H2 released in set I and set V are the same. Time (s)
Higher gradient.
powder + 100 cm3 of of HCl in set I is So it initial rate
is higher.
0.05 mol dm-3 HCl higher than that in * The concentration of HCl in set IV is higher than set I, so the gradient of
set V. set IV is steeper than set I.

▪ In the above example, the change in the initial ate of reaction is due to the change in the concentration of hydrochloric acid.
▪ The change in the volume of hydrochloric acid does not affect the initial rate of reaction but only affects the amount of products (hydrogen gas) formed.

8
7.4 Collision Theory
During a reaction, the particles of the reactants must collide with each other for bond breaking and then
bond formation to occur to produce product.

Effective collisions:
Collisions which achieved minimum activation energy and with the correct orientation will result in a
reaction.

Activation Energy:
Activation energy is the energy barrier that must be overcome by the colliding particles of the reactants
in order for reaction to occur.

7.2 Factors That Affect The Rate of Reaction

a) Total surface area of a solid reactant/ Effect of Size
b) Concentration of reactant
c) Temperature of reaction
d) Use of catalyst
e) Pressure of reaction involves gaseous reactant.

7.2.1 Total Surface Area of a Solid Reactant/ Effect of Size

Smaller size solid reactant, Bigger size solid reactant,

- Bigger total surface area per volume - Smaller total surface area per volume
- Higher frequency of collision - Lower frequency of collision
- Higher frequency of effective collision - Lower frequency of effective collision
- Higher rate of reaction - Lower rate of reaction

Volume of CO2 gas /cm3

I I: Small size marble

II: Big size marble
II

Time/ min

When the size of fixed mass of solid reactant (name the reactant, example CaCO3) is smaller,

Example: CaCO3 + HCl →CaCl2 + CO2 + H2O

- The total surface area per unit volume of CaCO3 is bigger.

- Thus, the frequency of collision among the CaCO3 and H+ ions increase.
- Thus, the frequency of effective collision increase.
- Hence, a higher rate of reaction.

Rate of reaction / CEW / 2023

9
7.2.3 Effect of Concentration
When the concentration of the solution of a reactant increase;
- The number of particles per unit volume of the solution of the reactant also increases.
- Thus, the frequency of collision is higher.
- This lead to an increase in the frequency of effective collision.
- Hence, a higher rate of reaction.

* The total volume of the gas depends on the number of moles of the reactant
Number of moles = Molarity × Volume
1000

Example:
Diagram below shows the reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid by using the different volume
of the acid at room temperature.
Volume of gas (dm3)

0.6 A
A 50cm3, 1.0 mol dm-3 of HCl
0.3 B
B 25cm3, 1.0 mol dm-3 of HCl

Mg + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2

No of mole of A = (50 x 1.0) / 1000 = 0.050 mol

No of mole of B = (25 x 1.0) / 1000 = 0.025 mol

From balanced chemical equation, 2 mol of HCl produce 1 mol of the H2,
So,
Volume of H2 gas release in reaction A = 0.025 mol x 24 dm3 = 0.6dm3
Volume of H2 gas release in reaction B = 0.0125 mol x 24 dm3 = 0.3dm3

7.2.4 Effect of Temperature

When the temperature of a reactant increases;
- The kinetic energy of reacting particles will increase, so the particles will move faster.
- More colliding particles have higher energy which is enough to overcome the activation energy.
- Thus, the frequency of collision among the reacting particles increases. Frequency of collision is
higher.
- This lead to an increase in the frequency of effective collision.
- Hence, a higher rate of reaction.

10
7.2.5 Effect of Catalyst
Catalyst: a chemical substance which alters // change the rate of reaction.

Properties of catalyst;
Activation energy
without catalyst

Activation energy

Energy
Reactant with catalyst
without
catalyst Product
without
catalyst
Progress of reaction
When the catalyst is presence;
- The catalyst allows the reaction to take place through an alternative pathway with lower activation
energy.
- Thus, more collision among the reacting particles are able to achieve the lower activation energy.
- Thus, the frequency of effective collision increases.
- Hence, the higher the rate of reaction.

7.2.6 Effect of Pressure

When the pressure of the gas of a reactant increases;
- The number of particles per unit volume of the gas of the reactant also increases.
- Thus, the frequency of collision among the reacting particles increases.
- This lead to an increase in the frequency of effective collision.
- Hence, a higher rate of reaction.

Compress

Low pressure. High pressure.

Each reactant is far apart low Each reactant is near to each other and
chance to collide to each other. so high chance to collide to each other.

11
Another experiment to investigate the effect of catalyst on the rate of reaction.

Problem statement : How does the presence of catalyst affect the rate of reaction?
Hypothesis : Presence of catalyst will increase the rate of reaction.
Variables
Manipulated : Presence of catalyst
Responding : Rate of reaction
Fixed : Mass of manganese (IV) oxide, MnO2, temperature and volume of hydrogen
peroxide solution, H2O2

Materials :20-volume hydrogen peroxide solution, H2O2, manganese (IV) oxide powder, MnO2 and
distilled water.
Apparatus : 10 cm3 measuring cylinder, test tubes, test tube rack, glowing wooden splinter, filter funnel,
filter paper, 150 cm3 beaker, spatula and electronic balance.

Procedure:
1. Label two test tubes as I and II
2. Put 5 cm3 hydrogen peroxide solution, H2O2 into test tube I and test tube II separately.
3. Place the two test tubes in the test tube rack.
4. add 0.5g manganese (IV) oxide powder, MnO2 into test tube II. Place a glowing wooden splinter into
the mouth of both test tube quickly.
5. Observe the changes that occur to the wooden splinter and record your observations.

Observation:
Test tube Observation
I The wooden splinter glows dimly and slowly
No effervescence occurs
II The wooden splinter rekindles brightly and rapidly
Effervescence occurs
Discussion:
From the observation, the effervescence is the oxygen gas release by hydrogen peroxide molecule after
decomposition reaction.
2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2
The wooden splinter glows dimly and slowly indicate the release of oxygen gas is slower in test tube I.

Conclusion:
If catalyst presence the rate of reaction will increase. The hypothesis is accepted.
12
7.3 Application of factors that affect the rate of reaction in daily life

Size factor
1. Action of medicines
- Antacid tablets use to treat gastric. Doctor advise to chew the tablet instead of swallowing.
- Chewing of tablet into smaller pieces increase the total surface area exposed and increase the
rate of reaction between the medicine and the acid in stomach.
2. Cooking food
- Potatoes are cut into thin slices or long strips so that it can be cooked faster.
- Thin slices or long strips increase the total surface area exposed to the cooking oil.

Concentration factor
1. Corrosion due to acid rain
- Buildings made of iron that are located near the industrial area will corrode faster due to acid
rain.
- The atmosphere around industrial areas contain a high concentration of sulphur dioxide.
- When the concentration of acidic pollutants increases, the level of acid rain increases and the
rate of corrosion increases.

Temperature factor
1. Cleaning
- Washing clothes using detergent powder and hot water will increase rate of reaction.
- The temperature of water is higher and the size of detergent powder is smaller.
2. Cooking food
- Food can cooks faster at high temperature.
- Water boils at 100ºC while cooking oil would not boil even thought the temperature reaches
180 ºC.
- Therefore, frying food in oil will cook the food even faster.

Catalyst factor
1. Making alcohol
- Ethanol is the main ingredient in alcoholic drinks.
- Ethanol produced through the fermentation of glucose with the help of enzymes, yeast as
catalyst at 37 ºC.

13 Rate of reaction / CEW / 2023

 Name: ……………………………………….. Class: ……….
1) Diagram below shows two experiments to investigate one factor that influences the rate of a reaction.
Experiment I
2006
Total
surface
area Dilute hydrochloric acid
factor

Calcium carbonate chips

Experiment II

Dilute hydrochloric acid

Calcium carbonate powder

a) What is the factor that influences the rate of reaction in both experiments?
…………………………………………………………………………….……………………………
[1 mark]
b) The reaction in the experiment is represented by the following equation:
CaCO3(s) + 2HCl (aq) → CaCl2 (aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
i) Among the products stated in the equation, which is the most suitable to be chosen to determine
the rate of reaction?
………………………………………………………………………………..………………….
[1 mark]
ii) State one reason for choosing the product in 3(b)(i).
…………………………………………………………………………………..……………….
[1 mark]
c) State two controlled variables in both experiments.
1. …………………………………………………………………………………..…………………
2. …………………………………………………..…………………………………………………
[2 marks]

d) The results for both experiments are represented by graph below.

Quantity of product

Key
____ Experiment I
-------- Experiment II

Time (s)
X

14
 Based on graph above:
i) Experiment II has a higher rate of reaction.
How does the graph show this?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
[1 mark]
ii) What has happened to the reactants at time x?
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
[1 mark]
iii) Why are both curves at the same level after time x?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
[1 mark]
e) What is the conclusion for both experiments?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
[1 mark]
f) Another experiment is carried out using excess calcium carbonate powder and dilute hydrochloric
acid with different concentrations.
Sketch the curve of concentration of dilute hydrochloric acid against the time taken to collect a fixed
quantity of the product.

Concentration of
dilute hydrochloric
acid
(mol dm-3)

Time taken to collect a fixed quantity of product (s)

[2 marks]

2) Diagram below shows two sets of experiments to study the factor affecting the rate of reaction
2009
between hydrochloric acid, HCl and calcium carbonate, CaCO3.
Conc.
factor

100 cm3 0.25 mol

dm-3 HCl 60 cm3 of
gas
After 3 min
Excess CaCO3 chips
Set 1

100 cm3 0.50 mol

dm-3 HCl 120 cm3 of
After 3 min gas

Excess CaCO3 chips

Set 2

15
a) Write a balance equation for the reaction in these experiments.
……………………………………………………………………………………….………………….
[2 marks]
b) What is the reading needed to be recorded in both experiments to determine the rate of reaction in 3
minutes?
…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..
[1 mark]
c) Calculate the average rate of reaction in set 1.

[1 mark]
d) i) Compare the rate of reaction in set 1 and set 2.
Explain your answer based on the factor affecting the rate of reaction.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………..…….
[2 marks]
ii) Explain the answer in 5(d)(i) with reference to the collision theory.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..…...
[3 marks]
e) Sketch the graph of volume of carbon dioxide gas produced against time for both sets of experiment
in the first 3 minutes.

[2 marks]

Rate of reaction / CEW / 2023

16
 3) An experiment was conducted to study the effect of temperature on the rate of reaction between 50
cm3 of sodium thiosulphate solution 0.2 mol dm-3 and 5 cm3 of sulphuric acid 1.0 mol dm-3 to form a
2010
Temp. yellow precipitate. Diagram below shows the set-up of apparatus for the experiment.
factor
Perfect
score

50 cm3 of sodium thiosulphate

solution 0.2 mol dm-3+ 5 cm3
of sulphuric acid 1 mol dm-3

The experiment was repeated five times at different temperatures. Table 4 shows the temperature and
time taken for mark “X” to disappear from view.
Experiment Temperature/ °C Time/s
1 28.0 55
2 40.0 33
3 50.0 23
4 60.0 17
5 70.0 13

a) Draw a graph of temperature against time for this experiment. [3 marks]

b) Compare the rate of reaction between Experiment 2 and Experiment 4. Explain your answer by
using the Collision Theory
..………….…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………….………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………….……………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………….…………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………..………………
………………………………………………………………………………………..……………
[5 marks]
c) Write the chemical equation for the reaction.
……………………………………………………………………………………..………………
[1 mark]
d) Name the yellow precipitate formed.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..………
[1 mark]
e) State one other factor that can affect the rate of reaction for this experiment.
…………………………………………………………………………………………..…………
[1 mark]

17
 4) An experiment is carried out to study the decomposition of 25 cm3 of hydrogen peroxide at room
temperature with the presence of manganese (IV) oxide as a catalyst.
General
& The results of the experiment are shown in Table 5 below:
catalyst

Time/ s 0 30 60 90 120 150 180

Volume of gas/ cm3 0 17 29 34 36 36 36

a) Write the balance equation for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide with the presence of catalyst.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
[1 mark]
b) Draw a graph of volume of gas against time for the reaction. [3 marks]
c) Based on the graph in (b), calculate
(i) The average rate of reaction in the first minute

[1 mark]
(ii) The rate of reaction at 60 seconds.

[2 marks]
(d) Based on the volume of oxygen gas released, calculate the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the
experiment.
(1 mol of gas occupies 24 000 cm3 at room temperature and pressure)

[3 marks]
(e) The rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is very low.
Based on the collision theory, explain how the presence of catalyst increases the rate of decomposition
of hydrogen peroxide.

........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................

[3 marks]
(f) Based on the graph in (b), what will happen to the rate of reaction when the time increases?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
[1 mark]
18
 5) An experiment is carried out to investigate the rate of reaction of zinc with hydrochloric acid. Excess
zinc powder is added to 20 cm3 of 0.2 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid. The volume of gas collected at
2008 regular intervals is shown in diagram below.

Volume of gas / cm3

Time/s

a) State the meaning of the rate of reaction.

…………………………………………………………………………………………..…………….
[1 mark]
b) From the graph in Diagram 5.1, determine:
i) The rate of reaction at 120 s.

ii) The average rate of reaction between 60 s and 120 s.

[2 marks]
c) Explain why the rate of reaction decreases with time.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
[1 mark]

Rate of reaction / CEW / 2023

19
 d) Another experiment is carried out to study the factors that affect the rate of this reaction. The
result of this experiment is shown in Diagram 5.2. Curve I represents the result of this experiment
using excess zinc powder and 50 cm3 if 1.0 mol dm-3 dilute hydrochloric acid.
Volume of gas / cm3

Diagram 5.2

Time/s
i) Suggest the factors that influence the rate of reaction to obtain the curves labeled II and III.
Curve II: ………………………………………………………………..………………………....
Curve III: ………………………………………………………………..………………………...
[2 marks]
ii) State the reactants needed to obtain the curve labeled III.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
[3 marks]
iii) Give one reasons why the final volume of gas obtained in curve III is half the final volume of
gas in curve I.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………….…………………………
[1 mark]
iv) Based on the graph in (a), what will happen to the rate of reaction when the time increases?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
[1 mark]

6) The table below shows three sets of experiment to study the factors affecting the rate of reaction
2014 between calcium carbonate, CaCO3 and nitric acid, HNO3.
Surface
area & Experiment Reactants Temperature /
temp
Mrsm C
I 25 cm3 of 0.1 mol dm-3 nitric acid and excess calcium carbonate 30
chips
II 25 cm3 of 0.1 mol dm-3 nitric acid and excess calcium carbonate 40
chips
III 25 cm3 of 0.1 mol dm-3 nitric acid and excess calcium carbonate 40
powder

a) State the observable changes which can be used to measure the rate of reaction in this experiment.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
[1 mark]

20
b) The following chemical equation represents the reaction in the experiment.
CaCO3 + 2HNO3→ Ca(NO3)2 + CO2 + H2O
i) Calculate the number of mole of nitric acid used in experiment III.

[1 mark]
ii) Calculate the volume of carbon dioxide gas released in experiment II at room condition.
[1 mol of gas occupied 24 dm3 at room condition]

[2 marks]
iii) Sketch the graph of the volume of carbon dioxide gas collected against time for experiment I,
II and III on the same axis.

[2 marks]
iv) Compare the rate of reaction in experiment I and experiment II. Explain your answer based
on the collision theory.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………….…….……
[5 marks]

21
 7) Experiment I, II and III are carried out to investigate the factors affecting the rate of reaction. The
2014 table below shows the reactants and temperature used in each experiment.
Conc.
& Experiment Reactants Temperature (C)
temp
SBP I Excess zinc powder + 25 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid 30
II Excess zinc powder + 25 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid 40
III Excess zinc powder + 25 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm-3 sulphuric acid 30
a) Write the ionic equation for the reaction in Experiment I.
………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
[2 marks]
b) Based on the experiments, state two factors that affect the rate of reaction.
………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
[2 marks]
c) Compare the rate of reaction between Experiment I and II. Explain the difference by using
collision theory.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………..…………………………….…….……
[4 marks]
d) The diagram below shows the curve of the graph of total volume against time for experiment I.
sketch the curve obtained for Experiment III on the same axes.
Volume of gas (cm3)

Time (s)
e) During a master chef competition, an apprentice found that a piece of meat is still not tender
after cooking for one hour.

State one method that should be taken to make the meat become tender in a shorter time. Explain
your answer.
………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
[2 marks]
22
 8) The diagram below shows the graph of the mass of zinc against time for the reaction between zinc
and hydrochloric acid. In this experiment 5.00 g of zinc is added to 100 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm-3
2014 hydrochloric acid to study the rate of reaction at the temperature of 30C.
Q6

a) Write the chemical equation for the reaction.

………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
[1 mark]
b) Based on the diagram above,
i) Why is the curve in the graph remain constant after t1 second?
………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
[1 mark]
ii) Determine the mass of unreacted zinc in the experiment.
………………………….…………………………………………………………….………….
[1 mark]
c) In this experiment, the rate of reaction can also be determined by measuring the volume of
hydrogen gas produce at regular intervals of time. Draw the apparatus set-up for the experiment.

[2 marks]
d) The experiment is repeated at the temperature of 40C with other factor remain unchanged.
i) Sketch the curve obtained for this experiment on the same axes in diagram below.

[1 mark]

23
 9) The table below shows the information for two sets of experiment to investigate one factor affecting
the rate of reaction between zinc and sulphuric acid.
2015 Set Material Volume of gas collected
catalyst
factor in 2 minutes (cm3)
3 -3
I 50 cm of 1.0 mol dm sulphuric acid + excess zinc 30.00
3 -3
II 50 cm of 1.0 mol dm sulphuric acid + excess zinc + catalyst X 50.00
Based on the table above,
a) What is the meaning of catalyst?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
[1 mark]
b) State the name of catalyst X that can be used in set II.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
[1 mark]
c) i) Calculate the average rate of reaction in
Set I:

Set II:

[2 marks]
ii) Compare the rate of reaction between Set I and Set II.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
[1 mark]
iii) Explain your answer in (c)(ii) based on collision theory.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
[2 marks]
d) The energy profile diagram for the reaction between zinc and sulphuric acid for both sets of
experiment are shown in diagram below.
Energy

Zn + H2SO4

ZnSO4 + H2
Reaction path
i) Label the curves for set I and set II in diagram above. [1 mark]

ii) Show and label the activation energy for Set I, as E1 and set II as EII in diagram above.
[2 marks]
24
10) a) Two sets of experiment are carried out to investigate one of the factors that affects the rate of
reaction between 100cm3 of 0.5 mol dm-3nitric acid and 2g of zinc.
2018
SPM
Diagram below shows the curves of the graph of volume of gas against time obtained from
the two sets of experiment, Set I and Set II.
Volume of gas (cm3)

i) State the meaning of rate of reaction.

………………………………………………………………………………………..
[1 mark]
ii) State the name of the gas released in this experiment.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
[1 mark]
iii) State one observable change in this experiment that can be used to determine the rate
of reaction.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
[1 mark]
iv) By referring to diagram above, identify one factor that affects the rate of reaction in
experiment.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
[1 mark]
b) The diagram below shows two situation of grilling 500g of meat.

Situation A Situation B
In which situation will the meat cook faster? Explain.
………………………………………………………………………………………..…………
……………………………………………………………………………..……………………
………………………………………………………………………………………….………..
[3 marks]
c) Classify the following reactions into fast reaction and slow reaction.

Photosynthesis Rusting Combustion Double decomposition reaction

Fast reaction Slow reaction

25
11) The diagram below shows the apparatus set-up for an experiment to study the rate of reaction
between 10 cm3 of 0.1 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid with excess zinc granule.
2021
SPM

10 cm3 of 0.1 mol dm-3

hydrochloric acid
Zinc granule

The table below shows the volume of gas collected at 1 minute internals when 1 cm3 of 0.1 mol dm-3
copper (II) sulphate solution is added in this experiment.

Time (min) 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0

Volume of gas (cm3) 0.0 11.2 15.8 18.0 18.0 18.0

a) What is the function of copper (II) sulphate in this experiment?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
[1 mark]
b) State the volume of gas collected when the concentration of 0.1 mol dm-3 copper (II) sulphate
solution is used in this experiment is replaced by 0.5 mol dm-3 copper (II) sulphate solution.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
[1 mark]
c) The diagram below shows the energy profile diagram for the reaction in this experiment.

Energy

Reactant

Product

By using the same axis in diagram above, sketch the curve of energy profile when copper (II)
sulphate is not added in the experiment.
[1 mark]
d) Reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid occurred when the particles of reactant collide with
each other. Only effective collision will produce product.
State two conditions needed for an effective collision to occur.
1. …………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. …………………………………………………………………………………………………
[2 marks]
26
 Paper 2

12) Table below shows the data obtained in an experiment when 5g of small-sized marble chips react with
50 cm3 1.0 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid.
2010
Conc. Time/s 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210
factor Burette reading/cm3 50.00 42.00 34.90 29.40 25.40 21.90 19.40 17.40
Volume of carbon dioxide/cm3 0.00 8.00 15.10 20.60 24.60 28.40 30.80 32.60

a) What is meant by rate of reaction in this experiment? [1 marks]

b) i) Plot the graph of volume of carbon dioxide against time on a piece of graph paper. [4 marks]

i) Based on the graph plotted, calculate the rate of reaction at 60 seconds and 120 seconds.
Comment on these values obtained and give explanation for the different rates of reactions.
[7 marks]

c) Sketch on the same graph, the curve that would be obtained if large-sized marble chips are used to
replace the small-size marble chips. By using the collision theory, explain the effect of the size of
marble chips used on the rate of reaction. [6 marks]

13) a) Diagram below shows the energy profile diagram for the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric
2013
Q7 acid. Copper (II) sulphate solution is added to the reactants mixture to increase the rate of reaction.

Energy

Reactants Product

Reaction Path

i) Which of the values r or s represents the activation energy for the reaction after adding copper (II)
sulphate solution? [1 mark]
ii) By using collision theory, explain how copper (II) sulphate solution increases the rate of reaction.
[4 marks]
iii) 100 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid and excess zinc are used in the reaction.
Write the chemical equation for the reaction and calculate the volume of hydrogen gas released at
room conditions. [5 marks]

27
 b) Table below shows the information for three sets of experiment to investigate factors affecting the
rate of reaction between calcium carbonate and hydrochloric acid.
Experiment Reactants Time taken to collect 40 cm3
of carbon dioxide gas (s)
Set I 5 g calcium 50 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm-3 33
carbonate powder hydrochloric acid3
Set II 5 g calcium 50 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm-3 45
carbonate chip hydrochloric acid3
Set III 5 g calcium 25 cm3 of 2.0 mol dm-3 25
carbonate powder hydrochloric acid3

Based on the information in table above, compare the rate of reaction between
i) Set I and Set II
ii) Set I and Set III [10 marks]
14) a) The graph in diagram below shows the curves of experiment I and experiment II that was carried
2017 out to study the rate of reaction.
Q8

Based on the graph above,

i) Calculate the average rate of reaction for Experiment I and II. [4 marks]
ii) Curve in Experiment I is obtained from the reaction between 5g granulated calcium carbonate
and 50 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid. The experiment is repeated to obtain the curve
in experiment II. Other than temperature, suggest one factor that can change the curve in
Experiment I to the curve in Experiment II.

28
 Based on the suggested factor, describe an experiment to show how you manipulate the factor
in order to obtain the curve in Experiment II.
In your description include a labelled diagram.
[10 marks]

d) Chemical equation below shows the reaction between hydrogen gas and chlorine gas to produce
hydrogen chloride gas.
Cl2 + H2 → 2HCl
Set I and Set II in diagram below show the rate of formation of hydrogen chloride gas at different
temperatures.
stopwatch
0.00 0.10 0.20 Legend :

Chlorine molecule

Hydrogen molecule
X °C

Hydrogen chloride
molecule
0.00 0.10 0.20

Y °C Cl2 + H2 → 2HCl

Based on diagram above,

i) If the two sets of reaction occur at temperature of 30℃ and 40℃, determine the
temperature of X℃ in Set I and Y℃ in Set II.

ii) With reference to collision theory, explain why there is a difference in the rate of
formation of hydrogen chloride gas in Set I and Set II.
[6 marks]

29
 Objective:
1) Diagram shows the graph of total volume of carbon dioxide against time for the reaction of calcium
carbonate with dilute acid for experiment P and experiment Q.
Total volume of carbon
dioxide /cm3

Experiment P

Experiment Q
Time/s

Which of the following explains the differences between both curves from the experiments?
I. The mixture of the reaction in experiment P is being heated compared to experiment Q.
II. Catalyst is used in experiment P but not in experiment Q.
III. Quantities of calcium carbonate and acid used in experiment P and are more than that in
experiment Q.
IV. The size of calcium carbonate used in experiment P is smaller than experiment Q.
A. III and IV only C. I, II and IV only
B. I, II and III only D. I, II, III and IV

Conc. 2) The following information shows the effect of concentration on the rate of reaction.
When the concentration of sodium thiosulphate, Na2S2O3 solution increases, the time taken for the
mark “X” to disappear from sight becomes shorter.

Which of the following statement best concludes about the information above?
A. The concentration is directly proportional to the time taken.
B. The rate of reaction is directly proportional to the time taken
C. The rate of reaction is directly proportional to the concentration
D. The rare of reaction is inversely proportional to the concentration

Conc. 3) Diagram below shows the set up of the apparatus for an experiment to determine the rate of reaction
between sodium thiosulphate and sulphuric acid.

Sodium thiosulphate solution + hydrochloric acid

White paper

Cross mark
Which of the following techniques is the most suitable to determine the rate of reaction?
A. Record the time as soon as precipitate is formed.
B. Record the time taken to obtain the maximum temperature.
C. Record the time as soon as the cross mark disappear from sight.
D. Record the time taken for the change of the pH value until a fixed pH value is obtained.

30
Conc. 4) In an experiment the decomposition of 25 cm3 of 0.1 mol dm-3 hydrogen peroxide solution produces
oxygen gas. The graph of volume of oxygen gas against time is plotted and curve Q is produced.

Volume of
oxygen gas/
cm3

Time/seconds
If the experiment is repeated using another solution, which solution will produce curve P?
A. 100 cm3 of 0.05 mol dm-3 hydrogen peroxide
B. 25 cm3 of 0.05 mol dm-3 hydrogen peroxide
C. 100 cm3 of 0.1 mol dm-3 hydrogen peroxide
D. 25 cm3 of 0.2 mol dm-3 hydrogen peroxide

Conc. 5) Diagram below shows curve W obtained from the decomposition of 20 cm3 of 0.40 mol dm-3
hydrogen peroxide solution, H2O2, using 0.2 g of manganese (IV) oxide as catalyst at a temperature
of 30°C.
Volume of oxygen gas/ cm3

Time/minutes

Which of the following experiments will produce curve X?

Volume of H2O2/cm3 Concentration of H2O2/ mol dm-3 Temperature /°C
A 10 0.60 30
B 15 0.20 30
C 20 0.60 40
D 30 0.30 40

Temp. 6) The following equation shows the reaction between excess zinc powder and dilute nitric acid:
Zn (s) + 2HNO3 (aq) → Zn(NO3 )2 (aq) + H2 (g)
Which of the following graphs represents the mass of zinc against time?
Mass/g Mass/g

Time/s Time/s
Mass/g
Mass/g

Time/s
31 Time/s
Catalyst 7) Diagram below shows an energy profile diagram. Ea is the activation energy for the decomposition
of hydrogen peroxide.

Which of the following is the activation energy for the dissociation of hydrogen
peroxide when manganese(IV) oxide is added?
A. P C. R
B. Q D. S

8) An experiment is carried out to study the rate of reaction between marble chips and hydrochloric acid
to produce carbon dioxide gas.
Experiment Substances
I Excess marble chips and 50.0cm3 of 2 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid
II Excess marble chips and 100.0cm3 of 1 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid

Which of the following graphs represent the two experiments?

Volume of gas/cm3 Volume of gas/cm3

I II

II I

Time / s Time / s

Volume of gas/cm3 Volume of gas/cm3

I I

II

Time / s Time / s

32
9) Table below shows the total volume of oxygen gas, O2 collected in the decomposition reaction of
hydrogen perocide, H2O2.
Time (s) 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240
Volume of 0.00 18.00 27.50 35.00 41.50 46.50 50.00 50.00 50.00
O2 (cm3)

What is the average rate of reaction?

A. 0.152 cm s-1 C. 0.278 cm s-1
-1
B. 0.208 cm s D. 0.310 cm s-1

10) Graph X in diagram shows the volume of hydrogen gas produced against time for the reaction
between 8 g of granulated zinc (in excess) and 50 cm3 of 1 mol dm-3 of sulphuric acid.
Volume of hydrogen gas (cm3)

Time (s)

Which of the following produces graph Y?

A. 8 g zinc powder + 50 cm3 of 2 mol dm-3 H2SO4

B. 8 g zinc powder + 50 cm3 of 1 mol dm-3 H2SO4
C. 8 g granulated zinc + 100 cm3 of 1 mol dm-3 H2SO4
D. 8 g granulated zinc + 50 cm3 of 2 mol dm-3 H2SO4

11) Which process has the highest rate of reaction?

A. Rusting C. Respiration
B. Combustion D. Photosynthesis

12) Which of the following is not a characteristic of a catalyst?

A. A catalyst is specific in its reaction
B. A catalyst influences the quantity of product of a reaction
C. The chemical property of a catalyst remains unchanged at the end of the reactants
D. Only a little amount of a catalyst is needed to influence the rate of reaction

13) The following statements are related to the collision theory of a reaction.
I. The total surface area of the reactant particles increases
II. The kinetic energy of the reactant particles increases
III. The frequency of the collision between the reactant particles increases
IV. The number of the reactant particles per one unit of volume increases

Which of the following combination is true about the effect of the rise in temperature on the
reactant particles?
A. I and II only C. II and III only
B. III and IV only D. I and IV only

14) Which of the following reactants produces the highest rate of reaction with zinc powder?
A. 25 cm3 of sulphuric acid 0.1 mol dm-3 C. 25 cm3 of ethanoic acid 0.1 mol dm-3
B. 25 cm3 of nitric acid 0.1 mol dm-3 D. 25 cm3 of hydrochloric acid 0.1 mol dm-3
33
Rate of reaction / CEW / 2023