Introduction
A chemical reaction is a process in which one or more reactants are chemically changed into one or more products. Chemical reactions are occurring constantly around us: in the air we breathe, in the food we eat, and the rest of the world around us.
For decades, Alka-Seltzer® tablets have been viewed as a “cure-all” over-the-counter medicine. Its uses include, but are not limited to back pains, stomach aches, and heartburn. An Alka-Seltzer® tablet is composed of several ingredients: citric acid (C6H8O7), aspirin, and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO2). Each piece plays an interesting role in the function of these tablets.
When sodium bicarbonate hits the water, it splits up into sodium (Na+) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) ions. After the split, the bicarbonate ions react with the hydrogen ions (H+) (both reactants) in the citric acid (C6H8O7), forming carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) (both products).
Temperature is a measure of the average of the motion of molecules in a solution. The temperature of the water these tablets are placed into does make a difference in how quickly the reaction between these two reactants occurs. Molecules are constantly in motion and constantly colliding (Note: The speed of these molecules is what determines what state of matter the substance is found in). In order for a reaction between reactants to occur, their respective molecules must collide at the right speed and at the right angle. Referring back to the definition of temperature, the higher the temperature of the solution, the faster its molecules are moving.
In this experiment, the effect of temperature on the reaction between water and Alka-Seltzer® tablets will be tested.
Problem Statement
If you place an Alka-Seltzer® tablet in glasses of water, each of different temperatures, which temperature of water will result in the quickest complete reaction?
Hypothesis
It is hypothesized that if you place an Alka-Seltzer® tablet in glasses...