Practical: Effect of Catalysts on Rate of Reaction (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular))

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Alexandra Brennan

Written by: Alexandra Brennan

Reviewed by: Stewart Hird

Practical: Effect of catalysts on rate of reaction

Aim:

To investigate the effect of different solids on the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide

Diagram:

Apparatus for Investigating effect of catalyst on rate reaction

Diagram showing the apparatus needed to investigate the effect of a catalyst on the rate of reaction

Method:

  1. Add hydrogen peroxide into a conical flask

  2. Use a delivery tube to connect this flask to a measuring cylinder upside down in water trough

  3. Add the chosen catalyst into the conical flask and close the bung

  4. Measure the volume of gas produced in a fixed time using the measuring cylinder

  5. Repeat experiment with different catalysts and compare results

  6. Catalysts to try could include: manganese(IV) oxide, lead(II) oxide, iron(III) oxide and copper(II) oxide

Result:

  • The data for different catalysts can be plotted on the same graph and the relative rates compared

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Alexandra Brennan

Author: Alexandra Brennan

Expertise: Chemistry

Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.

Stewart Hird

Author: Stewart Hird

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.