To measure the effect of surface area on the rate of reaction, an experiment must be done.
Hydrochloric acid could be added to two different test tubes, with one having large marble chips and one having small marble chips. The calcium carbonate must be in excess in both test tubes. The same amount and concentration of acid must be added to each one.
The carbon dioxide gas produced could be collected for a set amount of time to determine which of the test tubes produces the gas fastest.
Results
Hydrochloric acid could be added to two different test tubes, with one having large marble chips and one having small marble chips. The calcium carbonate must be in excess in both test tubes. The same amount and concentration of acid must be added to each one.
The carbon dioxide gas produced could be collected for a set amount of time to determine which of the test tubes produces the gas fastest.
Results
- The test tube containing the smaller marble chips should react faster and produce carbon dioxide faster than the other test tube.
- This is because the greater the surface area, the collisions will be more frequent.
- The smaller the particle, the greater the surface area
- With more collision, the rate of reaction increases.
- This proves that having a larger surface area increases the rate of reaction.