Experiment

Endothermic and Exothermic

5
Reactions
Some chemical reactions absorb energy and are called endothermic reactions. Many chemical
reactions give off energy. Chemical reactions that release energy are called exothermic reactions.
You will study one endothermic reaction and one exothermic reaction in this experiment.

In Part I, you will study the reaction between citric acid solution and baking soda. An equation
for the reaction is
H3C6H5O7(aq) + 3 NaHCO3(s) → 3 CO2(g) + 3 H2O(l) + Na3C6H5O7(aq)
In Part II, you will study the reaction between magnesium metal and hydrochloric acid. An
equation for this reaction is
Mg(s) + 2 HCl(aq) → H2(g) + MgCl2(aq)

OBJECTIVES
In this experiment, you will
• Observe two chemical reactions.
• Use a computer to measure temperature changes.
• Determine the change in temperature, ∆t, for each of the reactions.
• Identify endothermic and exothermic reactions.

MATERIALS
computer 250 mL beaker
Vernier computer interface balance
Logger Pro citric acid, H3C6H5O7, solution
Vernier Temperature Probe baking soda, NaHCO3
50 mL graduated cylinder hydrochloric acid, HCl, solution
Styrofoam cup magnesium, Mg

Figure 1

Physical Science with Computers 5-1

 Experiment 5

PROCEDURE
1. Obtain and wear goggles.

Part I Citric Acid Plus Baking Soda

2. Place a Styrofoam cup into a 250 mL beaker as shown in Figure 1. Measure out 30 mL of
citric acid solution into the Styrofoam cup. Place the temperature probe into the citric acid
solution.

3. Prepare the computer for data collection by opening the file “05 Endothermic Exothermic”
from the Physical Science with Computers folder.

4. Weigh out 10.0 g of solid baking soda on a piece of weighing paper.

5. Note: The temperature probe must be in the citric acid solution for at least 45 seconds before
this step.
• Click to begin data collection.
• After a few temperature readings have been made, add the baking soda to the citric acid
solution.
• Stir the solution to ensure good mixing.
• Collect data until a minimum temperature has been reached and the temperature readings
begin to increase, then click .
6. Dispose of the reaction products as directed by your teacher.

7. Click the Statistics button, . Record the minimum and maximum temperatures.

Part II Hydrochloric Acid Plus Magnesium

8. Measure out 30 mL of HCl solution into the Styrofoam cup. CAUTION: Handle this acid
with care. It can cause painful burns if it comes in contact with your skin or gets into your
eyes. Place the temperature probe into the HCl solution.

9. Get a piece of magnesium metal from the teacher.

10. Note: The temperature probe must be in the HCl solution for at least 45 seconds before this
step.
• Click to begin data collection.
• After a few temperature readings have been made, add the Mg to the HCl solution.
• Stir the solution to ensure good mixing. CAUTION: Do not breathe the vapors!
• Collect data until a maximum temperature has been reached and the temperature readings
begin to decrease, then click .
11. Dispose of the reaction products as directed by your teacher.

12. Click the Statistics button, . Record the minimum and maximum temperatures.

5-2 Physical Science with Computers

 Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions

DATA
Part I Part II

Minimum temperature ______ °C ______ °C

Maximum temperature ______ °C ______ °C

OBSERVATIONS

PROCESSING THE DATA

1. Calculate the temperature change, ∆t, for each reaction by subtracting the minimum
temperature from the maximum temperature (∆t = tmax – t min).

2. Tell which reaction is endothermic. Tell which reaction is exothermic. Explain.

3. For each reaction, describe three ways you could tell a chemical reaction was happening.

4. List three important exothermic reactions you have seen. List one endothermic reaction you
know.

EXTENSIONS
1. Print graphs of your results. Attach the graphs to your report.

2. Determine the energy effect, in joules per gram of Mg used, for the Part II reaction.
Determine the energy effect, in joules per gram of NaHCO3 used, for the Part I reaction.

Physical Science with Computers 5-3