Photo AI
When hydrogen peroxide is added to a warm solution of potassium sodium tartrate, a slow reaction occurs in which tartrate ions are oxidized to carbon dioxide and water - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question b - 2012
Question b
When hydrogen peroxide is added to a warm solution of potassium sodium tartrate, a slow reaction occurs in which tartrate ions are oxidized to carbon dioxide and wat... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:When hydrogen peroxide is added to a warm solution of potassium sodium tartrate, a slow reaction occurs in which tartrate ions are oxidized to carbon dioxide and water - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question b - 2012
Step 1
Step 2
What colour changes are observed when Co^{2+} ions catalyse the reaction?
Answer
The observed colour changes during the reaction are:
- The solution starts as pink, which is the colour of the cobalt(II) solution (Co^{2+}).
- As the reaction progresses, the colour changes to green, indicating the formation of an intermediate complex.
- After the reaction completes, the solution returns to pink as the cobalt(II) catalyst is restored.
Step 3
Explain the significance of the colour changes.
Answer
The significance of the colour changes relates to the role of the cobalt(II) catalyst in the reaction. Initially, the pink colour represents the catalyst in its original form. When the reaction occurs, the green colour signifies the formation of an intermediate complex that facilitates the oxidation of tartrate ions. Once the reaction completes, the restoration of the pink colour indicates that the catalyst remains unchanged overall despite being involved in the reaction, thus demonstrating its function as a catalyst. This cycle of colour change highlights the dynamic nature of chemical reactions and the efficiency of the catalyst.