[adamx]

I have to do a project at school and right now, I'm stumped.
What I have to do is "To find out if kinectic energy would change the reaction time of Magnesium and Hydrochloric Acid".
I only have 15CM strip of magnesium so I have to use it wisely. Can use either 0.1M, 0.5M or 1M Hydrochloric Acid.
What I would have to do is cut up a bit of the magnesium, Put it into a Film Canister(MUST) and add one of the above Hydochloric Acid strength.
Since the Film Canister Floats inside a beaker filled with water, what would be the best way to add kinectic energy so I can find out if it does change the reaction time?

Notes:
- Hydrochloric Acid + Small strip of Mg will be put into a film canister with the lid on. A pin has punctured the lid so there is a small hole in the middle of the lid.
- Basically once the reaction has occured, bubbles would start flowing out of the small hole. I'm to use a stopwatch and time how long that reaction lasts. Would have no idea how to get 100% accurate results so looking for some ideas.
- The film canister is supposed to be inside a beaker filled with water while reacting.

[Borek]

Hint: think about kinetic energy on molecular level. What does it depend on?

[adamx]

Wouldn't have a clue on molecular level. Only Grade 10 in high school in New Zealand.

[Borek]

But you are aware of the fact that all molecules are moving all the time? Even in solids they at least vibrate and oscillate around their positions.

[nj_bartel]

Hint: Does ice or steam have a higher kinetic energy? Why?

[adamx]

Yes, I'm aware that molecules are moving all the time.
I'm guessing steam as it's molecules move at a faster rate than ice?

[Borek]

I'm guessing steam as it's molecules move at a faster rate than ice?

Why do they move faster?

[adamx]

Because the molecules are flowing around freely.

[Borek]

Hint: the higher the temperature, the faster the molecules.

[adamx]

How would I be able to control the temperature of the bunsen burner?
Not to sure if im aloud the use of bunsen burner but will ask on Monday.
Would there be any other ways to change the kinetic energy?

[Borek]

Since the Film Canister Floats inside a beaker filled with water

It is enough to control water temperature.

[adamx]

I'd also have to use different temperatures to get different results. Going to try using 5 different ways.

[Borek]

That's it. The higer the temperature, the faster the molecules, the higher their kinetic energy.

[adamx]

So how could I control the temperature of the bunsen burner?

[Borek]

What for?

To some extent you can regulate it changing ratio of gas/air.