Chapter 16: Problem 35

Boilers are sometimes used to heat large buildings. Deposits of $\mathrm{CaCO}_{3}, \mathrm{MgCO}_{3},$ and $\mathrm{FeCO}_{3}$ can hinder the boiler operation. Aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid are commonly used to remove these deposits. The general equation for the reaction is written below. $$\begin{array}{c}{\mathrm{MCO}_{3}(s)+2 \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{+}(a q) \rightarrow} \\ {\mathrm{M}^{2+}(a q)+3 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(l)+\mathrm{CO}_{2}(g)}\end{array}$$ In the equation, M stands for Ca, Mg, or Fe. Design an experiment to determine the effect of various HCl concentrations on the rates of this reaction. Present your design to the class.

Short Answer

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To design the experiment, five varying concentrations of HCl will be chosen and their effects on the reaction rates with CaCO3, MgCO3 and FeCO3 will be observed. The rate of reaction can be determined by the rate at which CO2 gas is formed. This procedure will be repeated for each HCl concentration, and the results will be plotted on a reaction rate vs concentration graph. The results will then be presented to the class, detailing the procedure, data, analysis and conclusions.

Step by step solution

Understand the Reaction

Firstly, comprehend the given reaction. In the reaction equation given, MCO3 reacts with H3O+ to yield M2+, water and carbon dioxide. Here, M represents Ca, Mg or Fe. Therefore, our reagents are hydrochloric acid (which is the source of H3O+ ions in the reaction) and carbonates of calcium, magnesium or iron.

Plan the Experiment

Plan the experiment. You have to vary the HCl concentrations and observe the effect on rate of reaction. Therefore, choose different concentrations of HCl. For instance, you can select five different HCl concentrations. Prepare the necessary equipment. Also plan for safety measures like wearing gloves and goggles while handling HCl. Prepare the reactants, solutions of HCl at various concentrations and equivalent solid samples of the carbonates.

Execute the Experiment

Now, execute the planned experiment. Always ensure one variable is changed at a time. Measure fixed amount of carbonate and add hydrochloric acid at the decided concentration. Monitor the effect on the rate of reaction, which might be monitored by the rate of formation of carbon dioxide gas. Repeat this for each of the chosen HCl concentrations.

Analyze and Report the Results

After performing the experiment, the data collected must be analyzed. This could be done by plotting a graph of the rate of reaction against Hydrochloric acid concentration. This will reveal how the rate of reaction is affected by the changes in HCl concentration. Present the final report, which includes experimental procedure, raw data, data analysis and conclusions drawn to the class.

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Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the Reaction

Plan the Experiment

Execute the Experiment

Analyze and Report the Results

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