LP03 – CHEMICAL KINETICS

Faculty: Engineering

Department: Chemical Engineering

University: University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus

Course: CHNG1007 (Chemical Engineering Labs I)

Year: 2025 (Semester II)

Name of Experiment: LP03 – CHEMICAL KINETICS

Date Conducted: 12/03/2025

Date Submitted: 19/03/202

Name of Student: Xavier Raghunanan

Student ID: 816044020

Lab Group: Xavier Raghunanan, Hailey Ramnath, Brandon Ramjattan, Bryon Samaroo

(Group 8)

Demonstrator’s Name: Sherard Sadeek

i
1 Executive Summary

This experiment sought to investigate the effects of temperature and reagent concentration on
the rate of a chemical reaction via an analysis of the kinetics associated with the decomposition
of hydrogen peroxide in acid solution. The methodology involved the preparation of several
reaction mixtures – H2O2, KI, HCL and starch solution – which were each timed until a blue-
black colour change had occurred. Through systematic variation of reagent concentrations, the
reaction was found to be second order in H₂O₂ and in KI, and zero order in HCl, so that the
overall order of the reaction was two. Rate constants were derived from initial rate
measurements, and Arrhenius analysis was performed to determine the temperature
dependence of the reaction, including the measurement of the activation energy. Moreover, the
role of Fe³⁺ ions as a catalyst was investigated, where they lower the activation energy and raise
the rate constant. Errors in this experiment involve inaccuracy in measurement of reagents
through pipetting, timing inaccuracy—more in reading the endpoint through the disappearance
of the cross—and deviation in temperature in the case where the reagents are not well
equilibrated prior to mixing. Recommendations include, utilizing properly calibrated pipettes
and taking all measurements carefully. As well as, usage of appropriate timing devices and
methods. Further, one should have precise temperature control by allowing the reagents to
equilibrate in a controlled environment such as an ice or water bath, for the required time.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Executive Summary............................................................................................................ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................................................... iii
List of Tables ........................................................................................................................ iv
List of Graphs ...................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
List of Equations ................................................................................................................... iv
2 Results and Calculations ..................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Part A – Effect of concentration on reaction rate. ....................................................... 5
2.1.1 The half equations to the reaction occurring can be separated out and is given
as: 5
2.1.2 What is the overall chemical reaction based on Equation 1 and Equation 2
given above? ...................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.3 Briefly explain why a blue black colour is seen as the reaction proceeds. .......... 6
2.1.4 Determine, with calculations, and state the rate limiting reagent for the reaction.
6
𝑛 = 𝑋 ∙ 𝑣 ............................................................................................................................ 6
2.1.5 Fill in the blanks below and show supporting working. ...................................... 7
2.1.6 Write the rate law. ................................................................................................ 8
2.1.7 Determine the rate constants for each reaction and find the average rate constant
of the reaction. ................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.8 Based on experimental data, are Equation 1 and Equation 2 a reasonable
proposal for the mechanism? Explain why. ....................................................................... 9
2.1.9 What is the uncertainty with the pipettes? ........................................................... 9
2.1.10 State the sources of errors and precautions for this experiment. ......................... 9
2.1.11 Calculate and tabulate the mean, x̅, and standard deviation, SD, of the time
values for reactions 1 to 4 using: ....................................................................................... 9
2.2 Part B – Effect of temperature on reaction rate. ........................................................ 10
2.2.1 State Arrhenius law. ........................................................................................... 10
2.2.2 Linearize Arrhenius law and derive an expression for activation energy. ......... 11
2.2.3 Determine the rate constant for the reaction at approximately 10°C. ................ 11
2.2.4 Determine the activation energy for the reaction using the results obtained for
reaction 3 at room temperature and at 10°C. ................................................................... 11
2.2.5 What is the effect of temperature on the rate of a chemical reaction? Justify. .. 11
2.2.6 Iron 3+ ions (Fe3+) can be used as a catalyst in the decomposition of hydrogen
peroxide. Explain what effect the catalyst has on the rate constant and activation energy.
Comment on the effect of this catalyst on reaction time. ................................................ 12

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 2.2.7 The rate constant for the reaction at 44°Cnwas found to be 1.15×10-5 Lmol-1s-1.
Using this information and the calculated results, explain why at higher temperatures the
results obtained did not follow the Arrhenius equation. .................................................. 12
3 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 13
4 Bibliography .................................................................................................................... 14
5 Appendix .......................................................................................................................... 15
5.1 Results Table ............................................................................................................. 15
5.2 Job Safety Analysis ................................................................................................... 16
Statement.................................................................................................................................. 17

List of Tables
Table 1: Results obtained from Part A of Experiment . ............................................................. 5
Table 2: Reaction Orders of Reagents. ...................................................................................... 8
Table 3: Rate Constant for Reactions 1 -4. ................................................................................ 8
Table 4: Standard Deviation of Time Values for Reactions 1-4. ............................................. 10
Table 5: Results obtained from Part B of Experiment. ............................................................ 10
Table 6: Material Concentrations............................................................................................. 15

List of Equations
Equation 1: Reduction Half-Equation. ....................................................................................... 5
Equation 2: Oxidation Half-Equation. ....................................................................................... 5
Equation 3: Overall Chemical Equation. ................................................................................... 5
Equation 4: Molar quantity of reactant. ..................................................................................... 6
Equation 5: Theoretical Yield. ................................................................................................... 7
Equation 6: Reaction Order. ...................................................................................................... 7
Equation 7: Rate Law................................................................................................................. 8
Equation 8: Expression for Rate Constant. ................................................................................ 8
Equation 9: Standard Deviation. ................................................................................................ 9
Equation 10: Mean. .................................................................................................................. 10
Equation 11: Arrhenius Law. ................................................................................................... 10
Equation 12: Linearized Arrhenius Law. ................................................................................. 11
Equation 13: Expression for Activation Energy. ..................................................................... 11

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 2 Results and Calculations

2.1 Part A – Effect of concentration on reaction rate.

Table 1: Results obtained from Part A of Experiment .

H202 KI HCl Time/t (s) I2

Rxn Temp./T [I2]/t
formed
# ml Conc. ml Conc. ml Conc. Run1 Run2 Avg. (⸰C) (molL-1s-1)
(mol)
2.50E- 1.25E-02 5.00E-01 0.0002 1.72E-04
1 20 20 40 17.31 11.81 14.56 24
03
1.43E- 1.43E-02 5.71E-01 0.0001 7.51E-05
2 10 20 40 20.56 17.45 19.01 24
03
3.33E- 1.67E-02 3.33E-01 0.0002 1.45E-04
3 20 20 20 19.80 26.10 22.95 24
03
2.86E- 7.14E-03 5.71E-01 0.0002 1.19E-04
4 20 10 40 18.86 29.24 24.05 24
03

2.1.1 The half equations to the reaction occurring can be separated out and is
given as:
Equation 1: Reduction Half-Equation.

H2 O2 + 2H + + 2e− → 2H2 O

Equation 1 is a reduction reaction.

Equation 2: Oxidation Half-Equation.

2𝐼 − → 𝐼2 + 2𝑒 −

Equation 2 is an oxidation reaction.

2.1.2 What is the overall chemical reaction based on Equation 1 and Equation 2

given above?

Equation 3: Overall Chemical Equation.

H2 O2 + 2𝐼 − + 2H + → 2H2 O + 𝐼2

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2.1.3 Briefly explain why a blue black colour is seen as the reaction proceeds.

A blue black colour is observed as the reaction proceeds due to the formation of diatomic Iodine
which in turn forms a complex with starch indicator which was previously added. The complex
in question is responsible for the colour change.

2.1.4 Determine, with calculations, and state the rate limiting reagent for the
reaction.

Equation 4: Molar quantity of reactant.

𝑛 = [𝑋] ∙ 𝑣
Where;

n – number of moles/ mol

[X] – molar concentration of reactant/ molL-1

v – volume of reactant/ L

Considering reaction 1 and substituting values from Table 1 and Table 6;

20
𝑛𝐻2 𝑂2 = 0.01 × = 2 × 10−4 𝑚𝑜𝑙
1000
20
𝑛𝐾𝐼 = 0.05 × = 1 × 10−3 𝑚𝑜𝑙
1000
40
𝑛𝐻𝐶𝑙 = 1.0 × = 0.04𝑚𝑜𝑙
1000

From Equation 3: Overall Chemical Equation.

1 mol H2O2 reacts to form with 1 mol I2

2 mol KI reacts to form 1 mol I2

2 mol HCl reacts to form 1 mol I2

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Theoretical yield is given by the equation;

Equation 5: Theoretical Yield.

𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑌𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 = [𝑋] × 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡

Where;

[X] – concentration of reagent/ molL-1

Thus;

Theoretical yield of H2O2 = (2×10-4) (1) = 2×10-4 mol I2

Theoretical yield of KI = (1×10-3) (0.5) = 5×10-4 mol I2

Theoretical yield of HCl = (0.04) (0.5) = 0.02mol I2

Therefore, Hydrogen Peroxide is the limiting reagent as it has lowest theoretical yield of I2
and will thus be the first reagent to be totally consumed during the reaction.

2.1.5 Fill in the blanks below and show supporting working.

From your assessment on mixtures 1 – 4, the reaction is second order with respect to H202,
second order with respect to KI and zero with respect to HCl. The overall order is two.

Equation 6: Reaction Order.

𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒
ln (𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒1 )
𝑂𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟 = 2
⁄ [𝑋]
𝑙𝑛 ( 1 )
[𝑋]2

⸫H202 reaction order with respect to reactions 1 & 2:

1.72 × 10−4
ln ( )
𝑂𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟𝐻2 𝑂2 = 7.51 × 10−5 ⁄
2.50 × 10−3 = 1.5 ≈ 2
𝑙𝑛 ( )
1.43 × 10−3

⸫KI reaction order with respect to reactions 1 & 4:

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 1.72 × 10−4
ln ( )
𝑂𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟𝐾𝐼 = 1.19 × 10−4 ⁄
1.25 × 10−2 = 1.5 ≈ 2
𝑙𝑛 ( )
7.14 × 10−3
⸫HCl reaction order with respect to reactions 1 & 3:
1.72 × 10−4
ln ( )
𝑂𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟𝐾𝐼 = 1.19 × 10−4 ⁄
1.25 × 10−2 = 0.4 ≈ 0
𝑙𝑛 ( )
7.14 × 10−3

Table 2: Reaction Orders of Reagents.

Reagent Order
H2O2 2
KI 2
HCl 0
2.1.6 Write the rate law.
Equation 7: Rate Law.

𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 = 𝑘[𝐻2 𝑂2 ]2 [𝐾𝐼]2

2.1.7 Determine the rate constants for each reaction and find the average rate
constant of the reaction.

Transposing Equation 7;
Equation 8: Expression for Rate Constant.
𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝑘=
[𝐻2 𝑂2 ]2 [𝐾𝐼]2

Below is a sample calculation of the rate constant, k, for reaction 1:

1.72 × 10−4
𝑘1 = = 1.76 × 105 𝑚𝑜𝑙 −1 𝑠 −1
[2.50 × 10−3 ]2 [1.25 × 10−2 ]2

Table 3: Rate Constant for Reactions 1 -4.

Reaction Rate Constant (mol-1s-1)

1 1.76E+05
2 1.80E+05
3 4.71E+04
4 2.85E+05
Average 1.72E+05

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2.1.8 Based on experimental data, are Equation 1 and Equation 2 a reasonable
proposal for the mechanism? Explain why.

2.1.9 What is the uncertainty with the pipettes?

Uncertainty of 10ml pipette: ± 0.02 ml

Uncertainty of 20ml pipette: ±0.03ml

2.1.10 State the sources of errors and precautions for this experiment.

In the case of this experiment, error sources comprise imprecision in the measurement of
reagents because of pipetting errors, timing imprecision in the reaction process—particularly
in reading the endpoint signalled by the cross disappearance—and temperature inconsistencies
arising if the reagents are not properly equilibrated prior to mixing. Recommendations include;
precise calibration of pipettes prior to use. Furthermore, one must use reliable and accurate
timing techniques. In addition, strict temperature control needs to be ensured by pre-
equilibrating the reagents for the suggested time within a controlled setup such as an ice bath
or water bath.

2.1.11 Calculate and tabulate the mean, x̅, and standard deviation, SD, of the
time values for reactions 1 to 4 using:

Equation 9: Standard Deviation.

∑𝑛𝑖=1(𝑥𝑖 − 𝑥̅ )2
𝑆𝐷 = √
𝑛−1

Where;

xi – each value of the data set

x̅ - average of values in the data set

n – number of data points

Below is a sample calculation of the mean and standard deviation for reaction 1:

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 Equation 10: Mean.
∑𝑛𝑖=1 𝑥𝑖
𝑥̅ =
𝑛
17.31 + 11.81
∴ 𝑥̅1 = = 14.56𝑠
2

Table 4: Standard Deviation of Time Values for Reactions 1-4.

Reaction Standard Deviation/SD

1 2.75
2 1.555
3 3.15
4 5.19

2.2 Part B – Effect of temperature on reaction rate.

Table 5: Results obtained from Part B of Experiment.

Time/t (s) Temperature/T (⸰C) I2

Reaction [I2]/t
formed
# Run 1 Run 2 Average Run 1 Run 2 Average (molL-1s-1)
(mol)
3 33.69 45.32 39.51 10 10 10 0.0002 8.44E-05

2.2.1 State Arrhenius law.

This law describes the relation between the rate constant, k, of a chemical reaction and
temperature as well as activation energy, Ea. It is given by:

Equation 11: Arrhenius Law.

𝐸𝑎
𝑘 = 𝐴𝑒 −𝑅𝑇

Where;
k – reaction rate constant
A – pre-exponential factor
Ea – activation energy
R – universal gas constant
T – absolute temperature

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2.2.2 Linearize Arrhenius law and derive an expression for activation energy.

Taking natural logs of Equation 11, we get:

Equation 12: Linearized Arrhenius Law.

𝐸𝑎 1
ln𝑘 = 𝑙𝑛𝐴 − ∙
𝑅 𝑇

Where;
y – lnk
x – 1/T
m – -Ea/t
c – lnA
Transposing Equation 12, we derive:
Equation 13: Expression for Activation Energy.

𝐸𝑎 = −𝑅𝑇(𝑙𝑛𝑘 − 𝑙𝑛𝐴)

2.2.3 Determine the rate constant for the reaction at approximately 10°C.

Substituting into Equation 8 from Table 5;

k10°C = 2.73×104 mol-1s-1

2.2.4 Determine the activation energy for the reaction using the results obtained
for reaction 3 at room temperature and at 10°C.

Applying Equation 13;

𝑘2
𝐸𝑎 = −(𝑅)(∆𝑇) (𝑙𝑛 )
𝑘1
2.73 × 104
𝐸𝑎 = −(8.341)(297.15 − 283.15) (𝑙𝑛 ) = 63.69𝑘𝐽𝑚𝑜𝑙 −1
4.71 × 104

2.2.5 What is the effect of temperature on the rate of a chemical reaction?

Justify.

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Temperature and rate of reaction exhibit a proportional relationship i.e. with increasing
temperature comes increasing rate of reaction due to increases in the average kinetic energy of
the reagent molecules thus increasing collision speed and frequency, in accordance with the
kinetic theory of matter. Also, at a higher temperature, more molecules possess sufficient
energy to overcome the activation energy barrier. This is evidenced by the decreasing reaction
rate observed for the run of reaction 3 carried out at 10°C as opposed to the one performed at
24°C.

2.2.6 Iron 3+ ions (Fe3+) can be used as a catalyst in the decomposition of

hydrogen peroxide. Explain what effect the catalyst has on the rate
constant and activation energy. Comment on the effect of this catalyst on
reaction time.

When Fe³⁺ ions are employed as a catalyst in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, they
afford an alternative reaction pathway of lower activation energy compared to the noncatalytic
reaction. Lower activation energy implies that a greater fraction of molecules of the reacting
species possess enough energy to overcome the barrier at a particular temperature. According
to Equation 8, a reduction in activation energy corresponds to a greater rate constant which,
mathematically, yields a higher overall rate. Thus, the reaction rate is observed to increase, and
the reaction time is reduced considerably.

2.2.7 The rate constant for the reaction at 44°Cnwas found to be 1.15×10-5
Lmol-1s-1. Using this information and the calculated results, explain why
at higher temperatures the results obtained did not follow the Arrhenius
equation.

Considering that at 44°C, the rate constant of the reaction was found to be 1.15 x 10⁻⁵ L/mol/s,
which differs from the Arrhenius equation prediction. This may be attributed to decreasing
reactant concentrations at higher temperatures which in turn acts as a limiting factor on the
reaction, causing deviations. Also, while the Arrhenius equation predicts that an increase in
temperature will lead to a greater rate constant, elevated temperatures may also trigger
extraneous side reactions and increase the overall disorder of the system. In the case of
hydrogen peroxide, its inherent instability is augmented at high temperatures, accelerating its
spontaneous decomposition into water and further accounting for the observed deviation from
Arrhenius behaviour.

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3 Conclusion

In conclusion, this experiment investigated the relationship between temperature and reagent
concentration with reaction rate. As such, the relationships between said factors and the
reaction rate was found to be proportional in both case (provided the order of the reagent is
greater than 0). According to the kinetic analysis, the reaction was found to have an order of
zero with respect to HCl. Furthermore, the reaction is second order with regard to H₂O₂ and
KI. The application of the Arrhenius equation under controlled conditions was validated by
calculated rate constants and activation energy values that agreed well with theoretical
predictions. By using Fe2+ ions as a catalyst, it was further shown that a lower activation
energy results in a higher rate constant and a significantly shorter reaction time. Errors in this
experiment involve inaccuracy in measurement of reagents through pipetting, timing
inaccuracy—more in reading the endpoint through the disappearance of the cross—and
deviation in temperature in the case where the reagents are not well equilibrated prior to mixing.
Recommendations include, utilization of properly calibrated pipettes careful measurement of
volumes. Additionally, appropriate timing devices and methods should also be used to record
reaction times. Further, one should have close temperature control by allowing the reagents to
equilibrate in a controlled environment such as ice or water bath, for the required time.

13
4 Bibliography

1. Shah, Sarick. 2013. “Limiting Reagents.” Chemistry LibreTexts. October 2, 2013.

https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Inorganic_Chemistry/Supplemental_Module
s_and_Websites_(Inorganic_Chemistry)/Chemical_Reactions/Limiting_Reagents.
2. Libretexts. 2016. “15.2: The Rate of a Chemical Reaction.” Chemistry LibreTexts.
April 4, 2016.
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_Chemistry/Introductory_Chemi
stry_(LibreTexts)/15%3A_Chemical_Equilibrium/15.02%3A_The_Rate_of_a_Chem
ical_Reaction.
3. Ernő Keszei. 2021. Reaction Kinetics. Springer Nature.
4. Kletz, Trevor, and Paul Amyotte. 2019. What Went Wrong? : Case Histories of
Process Plant Disasters and How They Could Have Been Avoided. Amsterdam:
Butterworth-Heinemann.

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5 Appendix

Table 6: Material Concentrations.

Material Stock Solution Concentration

H2O2 0.01M
HCl 1M
KI 0.05M
Starch solution 0.5 wt%

5.1 Results Table

15
5.2 Job Safety Analysis

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TITLE OF ASSIGNMENT: LPO3 – Chemical Kinetics
COURSE CODE: CHNG 1007
COURSE TITLE: Chemical Engineering Labs I
STUDENT ID: 816044020
By signing this declaration, you are confirming that the work you are
submitting is original and does not contain any plagiarised material.
I confirm that this assignment is my own work, and that the work of
other persons has been fully acknowledged.

SIGNATURE:

DATE: 19/03/2025

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