Vernier Software & Technology

# Reaction Rates

## Introduction

The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution proceeds very slowly. A bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide sitting on a grocery store shelf is stable for a lengthy period. The decomposition takes place according to the reaction below.

${\text{2 }}{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{(aq)}} \to {\text{2 }}{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{O + }}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{(g)}}$

A number of catalysts, one of which is potassium iodide, can be used to speed up this reaction.

Before data collection begins, there is no product, and the pressure is the same as atmospheric pressure. Shortly after data collection begins, oxygen accumulates at a rather constant rate. The slope of the curve at this initial time is constant and is called the initial rate. As the peroxide is decomposed, less of it is available to react and the O2 is produced at lower rates. When no more peroxide is left, O2 is no longer produced. When data collection is complete, you will perform a linear fit on the resultant graph to determine the initial reaction rate.

## Objectives

In the Preliminary Activity, you will use a Gas Pressure Sensor to monitor the pressure increase due to the production of oxygen gas inside an Erlenmeyer flask as potassium iodide catalytically decomposes hydrogen peroxide.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about reaction rates and factors that influence them before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with reaction rates.

## Sensors and Equipment

This investigation features the following Vernier sensors and equipment.

### Option 2

You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?

## Investigating Chemistry through Inquiry

See other experiments from the lab book.

 1 Physical Properties of Water 2 Baking Soda and Vinegar Investigations 3 An Investigation of Urea-Containing Cold Packs 4 Conductivity of Aqueous Solutions 5 Identifying a Pure Substance 6 Investigating the Energy Content of Foods 7 Investigating the Energy Content of Fuels 8 Evaporation and Intermolecular Attractions 9 Enthalpy Changes 10 Reaction Stoichiometry 11 Beer's Law Investigations 12 Colligative Properties of Solutions 13 Long Term Water Monitoring 14 Vapor Pressure and Heat of Vaporization Investigations 15 Acid-Base Properties of Household Products 16 The Effect of Acid Deposition on Aqueous Systems 17 Acid-Base Titrations 18 Conductimetric Titrations 19 Oxidation-Reduction Titrations 20 Investigating Voltaic Cells 21 Baking Soda and Vinegar Investigations Revisited 22 Reaction Rates 23 Enzyme Activity 24 Sugar Fermentation by Yeast 25 Nuclear Radiation

### Investigation 22 from Investigating Chemistry through Inquiry Lab Book

#### Included in the Lab Book

Vernier lab books include word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.