Rate of Decomposition of Calcium Carbonate

Product Details

Investigate how reaction rates are measured and how concentration affects the rate of a reaction by designing kinetics experiments for the heterogeneous reaction of calcium carbonate with hydrochloric acid. 

In the introductory activity, students measure the gradual evolution of carbon dioxide gas from the decomposition of calcium carbonate with acid using special equipment. The procedure provides a model for guided-inquiry design of kinetics experiments to determine the rate of reaction with different concentrations of acid. Using a cooperative approach, students compare measurements of both mass loss and volume of gas generation versus time and determine initial reaction rates from the resulting graphs. The effect of particle size provides opportunities for further inquiry. 

The lab fulfills AP learning objectives for the measurement and analysis of evidence rate law experiments. Comparing results from two approaches reinforces science practice skills for evaluating sources of data. 

Complete for 24 students working in pairs. Refill kit includes chemicals and consumable supplies.

2024 CED Alignment:  

Unit 5 - Kinetics  

Topic 5.1 - Reaction Rates 

Description of the Lab  

Students investigate the effect of surface area on reaction rate by comparing how powdered and solid calcium carbonate react with hydrochloric acid. By measuring gas volume over time, they connect macroscopic observations to the molecular basis of reaction kinetics. 

Learning Objective 

• LO 5.1.A – Explain the relationship between the rate of a chemical reaction and experimental parameters. 

Skills Students Will Learn 

• 2.C – Identify experimental procedures that are aligned to a scientific question (which may include a sketch of a lab setup). 
  In this lab: Students compare surface area effects using two physical forms of CaCO₃. 

• 5.D – Identify information presented graphically to solve a problem. 
  In this lab: Students interpret gas volume vs. time graphs to assess reaction rate. 

• 6.G – Explain how potential sources of experimental error may affect the experimental results. 
  In this lab: Students evaluate how gas loss or timing errors influence rate calculations.