IGCSE Chemistry Practical Report: Rate of Reaction
Title: Investigating the Effect of Hydrochloric Acid Concentration on the Rate of Reaction with
Magnesium
Objective:
To determine how changing the concentration of hydrochloric acid affects the rate of reaction between
magnesium and hydrochloric acid, using the gas collection method (water displacement).
Materials:

Magnesium strips (each strip must be same length)

Hydrochloric acid solutions (0.5 M, 1.0 M, 2.0 M)

Measuring cylinder (100 cm³)

Water trough

Delivery tube with bung

Conical flask (100 cm³)

Stopwatch
Method:
1. Fill a water trough with water.
2. Fill a 100 cm³ measuring cylinder with water and invert it into the trough, ensuring no air
bubbles remain.
3. Connect a delivery tube from the conical flask to the submerged measuring cylinder.
4. Measure and cut magnesium strips to 2 cm in length.
5. Pour 50 cm³ of 0.5 M hydrochloric acid into the conical flask.
6. Add a magnesium strip, immediately seal the flask with the bung, and start the stopwatch.
7. Record the volume of hydrogen gas collected in the measuring cylinder every 10 seconds
until the reaction stops.
8. Repeat the experiment with 1.0 M and 2.0 M hydrochloric acid, ensuring all other variables
remain constant.
Variables:

Independent Variable:

Dependent Variable:

Control Variables:
Results Table:
Time (s)
Volume of H₂ Gas Collected (cm³)
0.5 M HCl
0
1.0 M HCl
2.0 M HCl
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Graph:
Students should plot a graph with Time (s) on the X-axis and Volume of H₂ Gas Collected (cm³) on
the Y-axis. The graph should have separate curves for each concentration of hydrochloric acid (0.5 M,
1.0 M, 2.0 M).
Analysis & Discussion:

What is the expected Trend?

Reaction Equation:

Explain the effect of concentration on rate of reaction using the Collision Theory:

Potential Errors & Improvements:
o
Ensure ______________connections to prevent gas leaks.
o
Use a ___________________for more precise measurements.
o
_____________ to improve accuracy and reliability.
Conclusion: