Imagine you are in a laboratory exploring the following reaction: [tex]A + B \rightarrow C[/tex].

When the product [tex]C[/tex] is created, bubbles form. When 10 mL of [tex]A[/tex] is added to 10 mL of [tex]B[/tex], the reaction takes twenty seconds. Your teacher gives you three unknown substances ([tex]X, Y, Z[/tex]), one of which is a catalyst for the reaction.

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



Answer :

To determine which substance (X, Y, or Z) acts as a catalyst for the reaction [tex]\( A + B \rightarrow C \)[/tex], you can use the following experimental design. A catalyst will famously lower the activation energy of the reaction, leading to a faster reaction without being consumed by it. Here's a detailed, step-by-step plan:

### Step 1: Control Experiment
1. Prepare Solutions: Measure out 10 mL of [tex]\(A\)[/tex] and 10 mL of [tex]\(B\)[/tex].
2. Combine and Measure Reaction Time: Mix [tex]\(A\)[/tex] and [tex]\(B\)[/tex] in a clean container. Start a timer as soon as they are combined.
3. Observe: Watch for the formation of [tex]\(C\)[/tex] (indicated by bubble formation) and stop the timer when the reaction is complete.
4. Record Time: Note the time taken for the reaction to complete without any introduced substances. This should be approximately twenty seconds based on given information.

### Step 2: Testing with Substance X
1. Prepare Solutions with X: Measure 10 mL of [tex]\(A\)[/tex] and 10 mL of [tex]\(B\)[/tex]. Add a small, measured quantity of substance [tex]\(X\)[/tex] to this mixture.
2. Combine and Measure Reaction Time: Mix [tex]\(A\)[/tex], [tex]\(B\)[/tex], and [tex]\(X\)[/tex] in a clean container. Start a timer as soon as they are combined.
3. Observe: Watch for the formation of [tex]\(C\)[/tex] and stop the timer when the reaction is complete.
4. Record Time: Note the reaction time with substance [tex]\(X\)[/tex].

### Step 3: Testing with Substance Y
1. Prepare Solutions with Y: Measure 10 mL of [tex]\(A\)[/tex] and 10 mL of [tex]\(B\)[/tex]. Add a small, measured quantity of substance [tex]\(Y\)[/tex] to this mixture.
2. Combine and Measure Reaction Time: Mix [tex]\(A\)[/tex], [tex]\(B\)[/tex], and [tex]\(Y\)[/tex] in a clean container. Start a timer as soon as they are combined.
3. Observe: Watch for the formation of [tex]\(C\)[/tex] and stop the timer when the reaction is complete.
4. Record Time: Note the reaction time with substance [tex]\(Y\)[/tex].

### Step 4: Testing with Substance Z
1. Prepare Solutions with Z: Measure 10 mL of [tex]\(A\)[/tex] and 10 mL of [tex]\(B\)[/tex]. Add a small, measured quantity of substance [tex]\(Z\)[/tex] to this mixture.
2. Combine and Measure Reaction Time: Mix [tex]\(A\)[/tex], [tex]\(B\)[/tex], and [tex]\(Z\)[/tex] in a clean container. Start a timer as soon as they are combined.
3. Observe: Watch for the formation of [tex]\(C\)[/tex] and stop the timer when the reaction is complete.
4. Record Time: Note the reaction time with substance [tex]\(Z\)[/tex].

### Step 5: Analyzing Results
1. Compare Times: Look at the recorded times for the reaction with each of the substances [tex]\(X\)[/tex], [tex]\(Y\)[/tex], and [tex]\(Z\)[/tex] compared to the control reaction (without any additional substance).
2. Determine Catalyst:
- Catalyst: The substance that significantly reduces the reaction time compared to the control reaction (i.e., it takes less than twenty seconds) can be identified as the catalyst.
- Non-catalysts: Substances that don't significantly change the reaction time or slow it down are not catalysts.

By performing these steps, you will be able to identify which (if any) of the substances [tex]\(X\)[/tex], [tex]\(Y\)[/tex], or [tex]\(Z\)[/tex] is a catalyst for the reaction [tex]\( A + B \rightarrow C \)[/tex].