An experiment to investigate the rate of reaction between

marble chips and hydrochloric acid

The aim of this experiment is to find the factors that affect the rate of reaction between
calcium carbonate and hydrochloric acid. The equation for this reaction is shown below.
Calcium Carbonate + Hydrochloric Acid --> Calcium Chloride + Water + Carbon Dioxide

The variables that I believe are most likely to have an effect in my experiment are:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Temperature
Concentration (of hydrochloric acid)
Surface area (of marble chips)
A catalyst

However instead of investigating all four variables, I have chosen to investigate how different
concentrations of hydrochloric acid affect the rate of reaction between marble chips and
hydrochloric acid.
My prediction for this experiment is that as the concentration of hydrochloric acid increases,
the rate of reaction will also increase in direct proportion. My reasons behind the above
prediction are that so a reaction can take place, the particles of the substances reacting have
to collide. If they collide with enough energy then they will have enough energy in order for
them to react. If the concentration of hydrochloric acid is increased it will, in turn, increase the
number of particles in a given volume, in contact with the marble chips. This will lead to more
collision, so the rate of reaction will increase also. Doubling the concentration will double the
number of particles and also double the number of collision, doubling the rate of reaction in
direct proportion.
Before I carried out my 'real' experiment, I completed a preliminary experiment. I chose to test
0.4, 1.2 and 2.0 molar. I left the reaction for a total of 25 seconds and my results are as
follows.
Concentration
0.4
1.2
2.0

Mass before
4.99
4.98
4.99

Mass after
4.72
4.49
4.01

Mass change
0.27
0.49
0.98

From my results I have come to the conclusion that they do support my prediction. However I
can see that I need to become more accurate when straining the marble chips to get rid of the
acid.
I have decided that I will change the concentration of hydrochloric acid that reacts with the
marble chips. I will also look out for a change in mass of the marble chips which I will do by
weighing them before and after the reaction. The concentrations I have chosen to usein my
experiment are:
2.0
1.6

1.2
0.8
0.4

I have decided that during my experiment I will keep the following the same:

the temperature
the surface area of the marble chips
a catalyst not being present.

Apparatus

150cm3 of hydrochloric acid

25g of marble chips
100cm3 of distilled water
Measuring scales
5 conical flasks
5 paper towels
50cm3 measuring cylinder

Stop clock
A sieve
Safety Glasses

A diagram of the set up is shown below:

Method
Before I begin to set up my experiment, I will make sure all hair is tied back, and put on safety
glasses. Once this is done I will begin to measure out however much distilled water is
needed, and then the concentration of hydrochloric acid. To make sure that concentrations
are not mixed up I will label each one. I will then get some measuring scales and weigh out as
close to 5 grams as possible of marble chips. I will repeat the above steps 5 times for every
concentration. I will then take the first solution and add the 5 grams of marble chips, and
press start on the stop clock. After 25 seconds I will pour the solution through a sieve, making
sure only the marble chips are remaining. I will then get some paper towels and dry off the
marble chips. I will then re-weigh the marble chips and record the results. I will repeat this
method for the other concentrations. I will also repeat each concentration if any of my results
seem irregular.
Results
Experiment 1
Concentration
Mass before
(molar)
(g)
2.0
4.99
1.6
5.0
1.2
5.04
0.8
4.98
0.2
4.99

Mass after
(g)
4.54
4.64
4.71
4.76
4.84

Mass change
(g)
0.45
0.36
0.33
0.22
0.15

Rate of
reaction
1.35
1.08
0.99
0.66
0.45

Experiment 2
Concentration
Mass before
(molar)
(g)

Mass after
(g)

Mass change
(g)

Rate of
reaction

2.0
1.6
1.2
0.8
0.2

5.02
5.01
5.01
5.00
4.98

2.0
1.6
1.2
0.8
0.2

Average results
Concentration
(molar)

4.6
4.62
4.65
4.82
4.88

0.42
0.39
0.36
0.18
0.10

Average rate of reaction

1.3
1.125
1.035
0.6
0.375

1.26
1.17
1.08
0.54
0.3