Description
Bring your stoichiometry lesson to the next level with this activity that introduces students to the method of continuous variation to determine molar ratios. Students vary the amount of reactants in an exothermic reaction and measure the resultant temperature change. Pooled class data is used to investigate how varying reactant mole ratios affects temperature change. After constructing a Job’s plot of the data, students determine the correct molar ratios for a balanced equation.
Students will:
- Calculate the temperature change for an acid-base neutralization reaction
- Prepare a graphical representation of class data and draw trend lines
- Use the method of continuous variation to determine molar ratios in a chemical reaction
This activity requires 50 min to complete, and Value Kit materials are sufficient for 4 classes of 30 students working in groups of 3.