CChemistryMathematicsS3 · S4 · S5Data analysis

Rate of reaction lab: marble chips and acid

Limestone is used to make cement and to build, and acid rain slowly attacks it. Measure how fast marble (calcium carbonate) reacts with acid, and find out what makes a reaction faster.

▶ Start the lab 🧠 Questions 📄 My report

LevelS3, S4 and S5 (and Cambridge IGCSE, GCSE)

TimeAbout 45 min

You useBalance readings, rate graphs, moles

PriceFree: no account

🎯 Aim

To measure the rate of reaction between calcium carbonate and hydrochloric acid by the loss of mass of carbon dioxide, and to investigate the effect of concentration, temperature and surface area.

You will learn to

Measure a rate from mass-loss data and from the gradient of a graph.
Explain rate changes with collision theory.
Use moles to find the mass and volume of CO₂ produced.
Compare runs fairly by changing one variable at a time.

🧭 What to do

Keep 1.0 mol/dm³, 20 °C and large chips. Tap Add the acid and start the clock and watch the balance.
Tap Keep this run on the graph, then change only the concentration and run again.
Repeat changing only the temperature, then only the size of the marble pieces.
Use the Rate between two times tool to compare the speed at the start and later.
Answer the questions using the class data (runs A, B, C).
Write your conclusion and download your lab report.

🔬 Lab bench

📋 The data

Mass of CO₂ lost (g) every 30 s, balance reading to 0.01 g, three runs by a class. Realistic model data for learning.

🧠 Investigate: answer from the data

Type your answer and tap Check. Use 💡 Hint first; open the method only when you are stuck.

📄 My lab report

Your report collects the aim, your data table, the graphs, your answers and your conclusion. It is made on your phone or computer: nothing is sent to anyone.

My conclusion

Check your conclusion

The mass falls because CO₂ escapes. The reaction is fastest at the start and slows down as the acid is used up; the graph levels off when all the acid has reacted (1.10 g of CO₂, or 600 cm³, from 50 cm³ of 1.0 mol/dm³ acid). Higher concentration, higher temperature and smaller pieces (larger surface area) all increase the rate, because there are more frequent successful collisions.

➕ Get more from this experiment

📝 Free

Print the worksheet (button above), download the data, and save your report. Teachers can project this page in class.

📦 Premium Lab Pack

1 000 RWF

Worksheet with new runs: magnesium ribbon and acid (gas syringe)
Planning sheet for a real practical with safety notes
Teacher guide and answer key with full working
Exam-style questions with marking scheme

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👩‍🏫 For teachers

Use it as a practical when apparatus is missing, as homework, or as a project. Free lesson plans help you plan, teach and assess.

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