Lab report: Reaction of Sulfuric Acid with
Magnesium Ribbon
Valerie De Chabannes La Palice Y10B Mr. Pizzi Chem1
Aim
To investigate how different concentrations of sulfuric acid (0.5 to 2.0 mol/dm³) affect the
time taken for magnesium ribbon to completely react with sulfuric acid, with the purpose of
measuring the rate of reaction respective to concentrations of reactants.
Hypothesis
Higher concentrations of sulfuric acid will result in shorter reaction times for magnesium
ribbon due to increased collisions between reactant molecules. According to the collision
theory, a higher concentration of reactants leads to more effective collisions, therefore
increasing the rate of reaction.
Apparatus
● Magnesium ribbons
● Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) at varying concentrations (0.4, 0.6, 0.8 & 1.0 mol/dm³)
● Beakers (50 mL)
● Stopwatch
● Ruler (to measure magnesium ribbon)
● Safety goggles
● Gloves
● Lab coat
Safety Precautions
● Sulfuric acid is highly corrosive; handle with care.
● Wear safety goggles, gloves (optional), and a lab coat to protect against splashes.
● Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid over-inhalation of fumes
Variables
Independent: Concentration of sulfuric acid (0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0mol/dm³)
Dependent: Time taken for magnesium ribbon to fully react (seconds), the rate of reaction
observed (visual scale)
Control Variable Why control it How to control
Length of magnesium ribbon To ensure consistent Use the same length (5cm)
surface area for reactions to for all trials
take place
Temperature Affects reaction rate; higher Conduct all trials at room
temperatures increase temperature
reaction speed, lower
temperatures will do the
opposite
Volume of sulfuric acid Affects concentration and Measure 20ml for all trials
hence reaction rate
Method
1. Preparation
○ Gather all the equipment and safety gear listed above. Make sure you are
wearing safety goggles, gloves (optional), and a lab coat.
2. Cut Magnesium Ribbon:
○ Use a ruler to measure and cut a piece of magnesium ribbon to a length of 5
cm. Prepare multiple pieces for each trial.
3. Measure Sulfuric Acid:
○ Using a pipette, measure 20 mL of sulfuric acid at the desired concentration
(0.4, 0.6, 0.8 & 1.0 mol/dm³) and pour it into a clean 50mL beaker.
4. Place the Beaker:
○ Position the beaker on a stable surface or a white tile to observe the reaction
clearly.
5. Start the Reaction:
○ Immediately add the 5 cm piece of magnesium ribbon to the sulfuric acid in
the beaker.
○ Start the stopwatch as soon as the magnesium ribbon comes into contact
with the acid.
6. Observe the Reaction:
○ Watch the magnesium ribbon as it reacts with the sulfuric acid. Look for signs
of hydrogen gas bubbles and the disappearance of the magnesium.
7. Timing the Reaction:
○ Stop the stopwatch as soon as the magnesium ribbon has completely
dissolved and is no longer visible.
8. Record the Time:
○ Note the time taken for the magnesium ribbon to fully react in seconds.
9. Repeat:
○ Conduct two more trials for the same concentration, ensuring you use a new
piece of magnesium ribbon and clean equipment each time.
○ Then, repeat steps 3-8 for each of the other concentrations (0.6, 0.8 & 1.0
mol/dm³).
10.Data Compilation:
○ After completing all trials, compile the times recorded for each concentration
into a results table.
> Clean-up
● Dispose of the remaining sulfuric acid according to your school's safety protocols.
● Clean all equipment thoroughly with water and return them to their proper places.
Table of results
Concentration Time taken for magnesium ribbon to fully react (s)
of sulphuric
acid (mol/dm³) Trial 1 Trial 2 Trail 3 Average
0.4 565.0 420.0 420.0 468.3
0.6 340.0 295.0 301.0 312.0
0.8 224.0 257.0 242.0 241.0
1.0 160.0 140.0 124.0 141.3
Graph
Conclusion
In this experiment, I discovered that the time it took for the magnesium ribbon to completely
react reduced as the sulfuric acid concentration rose. For example, the average time
decreased to just 141.3 seconds at 1.0 mol/dm³ from 468.3 seconds at 0.4 mol/dm³. This
confirms my hypothesis that higher concentrations of reactants in this experiment cause
quicker reactions. The collision theory is seen to also be proven in these results, where the
reaction will proceed more quickly when there are more acid molecules present because
they are more likely to collide with the magnesium. A similar theory is also present in the
rates of diffusion.
Evaluation
The fact that the reactants and factors were very consistent, such as using the same length
of magnesium ribbon and keeping the temperature at room temperature, was in my opinion
a strength of this experiment. The first trial at 0.4 mol/dm³ was a little out of line, which could
have been caused by measurement mistakes or other small variances, but the majority of
the data showed a clear trend. Another strength is the cleanliness in this experiment. Using
new/ properly cleaned equipment to conduct every trial and test is very important to achieve
reliable results. Hence, making it reliable data.
There will always be slight flaws in every experiment. The rate of reaction might have been
impacted by temperature fluctuations, as the temperature could only have been assumed to
stay at room temperature during each trial. Higher temperatures often increase the kinetic
energy of particles, resulting in more frequent and effective collisions; even small
temperature changes can have an impact on how rapidly reactions occur. Timekeeping could
also have affected the resulting data. Human error may occur while using a stopwatch
manually, for as when the timer is started or stopped at slightly different times. The recorded
reaction times will naturally be at least slightly inconsistent.
Overall, these factors show areas where improvements could increase the accuracy and
dependability of the data, even though the experiment offered some already reliable
information about the relationship between acid concentration and reaction rate. I believe
this was an effective way to investigate how different concentrations of sulfuric acid (0.5 to
2.0 mol/dm³) affect the time taken for magnesium ribbons to completely react with sulfuric
acid.
Due 7 May 2025
