Practical: Effect of Catalysts on Rate of Reaction (Edexcel IGCSE Science (Double Award) (Modular)): Revision Note

Exam code: 4XSD1

Alexandra Brennan

Written by: Alexandra Brennan

Reviewed by: Philippa Platt

Updated on

Practical: Effect of catalysts on rate of reaction

Aim:

To investigate the effect of different solids on the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide

Diagram:

Apparatus for Investigating effect of catalyst on rate reaction

Diagram showing the apparatus needed to investigate the effect of a catalyst on the rate of reaction

Method:

  1. Add hydrogen peroxide into a conical flask

  2. Use a delivery tube to connect this flask to a measuring cylinder upside down in water trough

  3. Add the chosen catalyst into the conical flask and close the bung

  4. Measure the volume of gas produced in a fixed time using the measuring cylinder

  5. Repeat experiment with different catalysts and compare results

  6. Catalysts to try could include: manganese(IV) oxide, lead(II) oxide, iron(III) oxide and copper(II) oxide

Result:

  • The data for different catalysts can be plotted on the same graph and the relative rates compared

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Alexandra Brennan

Author: Alexandra Brennan

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator / Senior Marketing Executive

Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.

Philippa Platt

Reviewer: Philippa Platt

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener