I. DESIGN
ASPECT 1: definition of the problem, hypothesis and selection of variables
Problem:
How the Arrhenius equation can be used to determine the activation energy in the reaction between crystal violet and sodium hydroxide.
Objective:
The objective of the experiment is to determine the activation energy. Knowing the rate constant k of reactions between crystal violet and sodium hydroxide at different temperatures and then using the Arrhenius equation, k=Ae-Ea/RT, the activation energy would be determine.
Variables: * Independent: * Temperature of reactants. * Dependent * The constant k of the reaction rate: * Control * Concentration of reactants * Volume of reactants
ASPECT 2: Control of variables 1) Temperature: The temperature of the reactants will in 10°C for each trial. Trial one temperature will be 10°C, trial two 20°C, trial three 30°C, trial four 40°C and trial five 50°C.
2) The constant k of the reaction rate: The constant of the reaction rate expression of the reaction between crystal violet and sodium hydroxide will vary according to the temperature at which the reaction will be performed.
3) Concentration of reactants: For accurate results the concentration of the reactants are not going to be changed during the reaction. The concentration of crystal violet will be of 4×10-5 M and the concentration of sodium hydroxide will be of 0.20 M.
ASPECT 3: developing a method of obtaining data
Materials:
* 1 water bath * 1 Vernier colorimeter * 90mL of 0.20M Sodium Hydroxide * 90mL of 4×10-5M of Crystal Violet * 2, 125mL (± 5ml) beakers * 2, 50mL (± 5ml) beakers * 2 measuring cylinders, 10mL (±0.5ml) * 1 Thermometer (±1 °C) * Ice * Hot water
Safety Measures:. * Use latex gloves and lab coat. * Dispose of all chemical waste properly.