Required Practical: Rates of Reaction

This lesson covers the AQA GCSE Chemistry Required Practical on investigating rates of reaction. You must know how to investigate the effect of changing the concentration of acid on the rate of a reaction between hydrochloric acid and marble chips (calcium carbonate). The specification also expects you to be able to apply this method to other rate investigations. This is one of the most commonly examined practicals, so thorough preparation is essential.

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Overview of the Required Practical

The required practical investigates how the concentration of hydrochloric acid affects the rate of reaction with calcium carbonate (marble chips).

Reaction:

CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) --> CaCl2(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)

Method of measuring rate: Collect the carbon dioxide gas produced and measure its volume over time using a gas syringe.