Rates of Reaction

... Introduction In this investigation I am investigating the reaction between hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate (known as limestone). The rate of reaction is basically the speed a reaction takes place- meaning how long it occurs for. Chemical reactions only occur when reacting particles collide with each other with sufficient energy to react. The minimum amount of energy that causes them to react is called the activation energy - simply because it activates the reaction. There are many variables that need to be taken under consideration when measuring the rate of reaction. These can include catalysts, surface area, temperature or concentration of the liquid. In this case the dependant variable is the concentration of the liquid. These variables can either decrease or increase the rate of reaction. Theoretical Background When a reaction takes place it has to overcome a minimum energy barrier known as the Activation Energy. If the particles collide with less

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