Question

Imagine you are in a laboratory. You are exploring the following reaction: A + B → C When the product C is created, bubbles form. When 10mL of A is added to 10mL of B, the reaction takes twenty seconds. Your teacher gives you three unknown substances (X, Y, and Z), one of which is a catalyst for the reaction. Design an experiment to test substances X, Y, and Z to determine which one is a catalyst for the reaction. MAKE IT SHORT AND GIMME 2 OPTIONS

Answer 1

Experiment Design to Identify the Catalyst

Objective: Determine which of the unknown substances (X, Y, or Z) acts as a catalyst for the reaction A + B → C.

Option 1: Time Measurement Method

1. Set Up: Prepare three separate reaction mixtures:

   • Mixture 1: 10 mL of A + 10 mL of B + 1 mL of X
   • Mixture 2: 10 mL of A + 10 mL of B + 1 mL of Y
   • Mixture 3: 10 mL of A + 10 mL of B + 1 mL of Z

2. Conduct the Reactions: Measure the time taken for the bubbles to form in each mixture.

3. Analysis:

   • Compare the reaction times. If one mixture shows a significantly reduced time compared to the control (the original reaction without any of X, Y, or Z), that substance is likely the catalyst.

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Option 2: Reaction Rate Measurement Method

1. Set Up: Prepare three reaction mixtures as follows:

   • Mixture 1: 10 mL of A + 10 mL of B + 0.5 mL of X
   • Mixture 2: 10 mL of A + 10 mL of B + 0.5 mL of Y
   • Mixture 3: 10 mL of A + 10 mL of B + 0.5 mL of Z

2. Measure Gas Production: Collect the gas produced in each mixture over a fixed time (e.g., 10 seconds) using a gas syringe or water displacement method.

3. Analysis:

   • Compare the volume of gas produced in each mixture. The mixture that produces the most gas in the fixed time is likely to contain the catalyst.

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Conclusion: By using either method, you can identify which substance (X, Y, or Z) acts as a catalyst based on the changes in reaction time or the rate of gas production.