A 2.0 g piece of magnesium ribbon was added to a known volume of 2.0 M hydrochloric acid - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2008 - Paper 1
Question 1
A 2.0 g piece of magnesium ribbon was added to a known volume of 2.0 M hydrochloric acid. The volume of hydrogen gas produced during the reaction was measured and re... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A 2.0 g piece of magnesium ribbon was added to a known volume of 2.0 M hydrochloric acid - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2008 - Paper 1
Step 1
Write an equation for the reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid.
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Answer
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid is:
Mg (s)+2HCl (aq)→MgCl2(aq)+H2(g)
This equation shows that one mole of magnesium reacts with two moles of hydrochloric acid to produce one mole of magnesium chloride and one mole of hydrogen gas.
Step 2
In a second experiment, 2.0 g of magnesium powder was added to the same volume of 2.0 M hydrochloric acid as used in the first experiment.
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Answer
In this case, since magnesium powder has a greater surface area compared to magnesium ribbon, the reaction will occur more rapidly, resulting in a faster production of hydrogen gas.
Graph Explanation:
The graph should start at the origin and rise steeply at first, indicating a rapid production of hydrogen gas due to the increased reactivity of powdered magnesium.
As the reaction proceeds, the slope will decrease, showing a slower rate of hydrogen production as the magnesium powder gets consumed.
Finally, the graph will plateau when all the magnesium has reacted, indicating that the hydrogen gas production has ceased.
Expected Graph:
The graph will be a curve that rises steeply at first, gradually leveling off.