Imagine you are in a laboratory exploring the reaction:

[tex]\[ A + B \rightarrow C \][/tex]

When product [tex]\( C \)[/tex] is created, bubbles form. When [tex]\( 10 \, \text{mL} \)[/tex] of [tex]\( A \)[/tex] is added to [tex]\( 10 \, \text{mL} \)[/tex] of [tex]\( B \)[/tex], the reaction takes twenty seconds.

Your teacher gives you three unknown substances ([tex]\( X \)[/tex], [tex]\( Y \)[/tex], and [tex]\( Z \)[/tex]), one of which is a catalyst for the reaction.

Design an experiment to test substances [tex]\( X \)[/tex], [tex]\( Y \)[/tex], and [tex]\( Z \)[/tex] to determine which one is a catalyst for the reaction.



Answer :

To determine which one of the substances [tex]\(X\)[/tex], [tex]\(Y\)[/tex], or [tex]\(Z\)[/tex] acts as a catalyst in the reaction [tex]\(A + B \rightarrow C\)[/tex], we can design an experiment based on comparing the reaction times with and without each substance. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step plan:

### Step 1: Establish a Control Reaction
1. Measure the Reaction Time Without Any Added Substances:
- Take 10 mL of substance [tex]\(A\)[/tex] and 10 mL of substance [tex]\(B\)[/tex] in a clean beaker.
- Mix them together and start a timer.
- Observe and record the time taken for the reaction to complete, indicated by the formation of bubbles.
- Confirm that the reaction completes in 20 seconds, as previously noted.

### Step 2: Test Each Substance Separately
2. Test Substance [tex]\(X\)[/tex]:
- Take 10 mL of substance [tex]\(A\)[/tex] and 10 mL of substance [tex]\(B\)[/tex].
- Add a known quantity (for consistency, start with 1 mL) of substance [tex]\(X\)[/tex] to the reaction mixture.
- Mix all three substances together and start a timer.
- Observe and record the time taken for the reaction to complete.
- Clean the equipment thoroughly after each test to avoid contamination.

3. Test Substance [tex]\(Y\)[/tex]:
- Repeat the same procedure with substance [tex]\(Y\)[/tex].
- Take 10 mL of substance [tex]\(A\)[/tex] and 10 mL of substance [tex]\(B\)[/tex].
- Add the same quantity used for [tex]\(X\)[/tex] (1 mL) of substance [tex]\(Y\)[/tex].
- Mix and start the timer.
- Observe and record the reaction time.

4. Test Substance [tex]\(Z\)[/tex]:
- Repeat the same procedure for substance [tex]\(Z\)[/tex].
- Take 10 mL of substance [tex]\(A\)[/tex] and 10 mL of substance [tex]\(B\)[/tex].
- Add the same quantity used for [tex]\(X\)[/tex] and [tex]\(Y\)[/tex] (1 mL).
- Mix and start the timer.
- Observe and record the reaction time.

### Step 3: Analyze the Results
- Compare the recorded reaction times for each test against the control reaction time (20 seconds).
- Identify which substance (if any) significantly reduces the reaction time.

### Step 4: Repeat for Verification
- Perform multiple trials for each substance to ensure the reliability and consistency of the results.
- Note if one of the substances consistently causes the reaction to complete faster compared to the others and the control reaction.

### Conclusion
- The substance that consistently reduces the reaction time without being consumed in the reaction is the likely catalyst.

Note: If none of the substances [tex]\(X\)[/tex], [tex]\(Y\)[/tex], or [tex]\(Z\)[/tex] accelerate the reaction, then it would imply that none of them serve as a catalyst. Additionally, ensure proper safety measures and clean-up processes are followed throughout the experiment.

Using this experimental design, you can systematically determine which of the substances [tex]\(X\)[/tex], [tex]\(Y\)[/tex], or [tex]\(Z\)[/tex] is acting as a catalyst for the reaction [tex]\(A + B \rightarrow C\)[/tex].