Investigating the Effect of Surface Area on Reaction Rate
Aim:
I want to investigate how changing the surface area effects the reaction rate.
Equipment:
Boiling Tube
Calcium Carbonate (Marble) Chips
Calcium Carbonate Powder
1.0mol/L Hydrochloric Acid
Measuring cylinder
Spatula
Test tube tongs
Method:
- Measure 2mL of Hydrochloric Acid and pour it into a boiling tube.
- Using the tongs to hold the boiling tube tube the sink, add a pea-sized amount of Calcium Carbonate powder.
- Repeat experiment instead using the same amount of marble chips rather than the powder.
Results:
When I added the powder, there was vigorous fizzing.
When I repeated the experiment with the chips, it bubbled.
Conclusion:
A chemical reaction is when two reactant particles collide.
They must collide with enough force and in the correct orientation.
As I increased the surface area of the reactants, there were more reactant particles that were exposed and able to react.
The more particles, the higher the chance of a successful collision.
This means the rate of reaction will increase.