To investigate the effect that surface area has on the rate of reaction

Essay by lebinvasion May 2004

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Aim: To investigate the effect of increasing surface area on the rate of reaction.

Background information: Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical that consists of hydrogen and oxygen. Its chemical formula is H O . It is a colourless, syrupy liquid that has a sharp odour. It is unstable. Peroxidase is an enzyme which catalyses the reaction. Catalase is an enzyme present in the cells of plants and animals. It is an aerobic (requires oxygen) bacteria. It promotes the conversion of hydrogen peroxide, a potentially harmful oxidising agent to water and molecule oxygen. Catalase also uses hydrogen peroxide to oxidise toxins. It is located in a cell organelle called the peroxisome. Catalase is a globular protein molecule that is found in all living cells. A globular protein is a protein with its molecules curled up into a 'ball' shape. All enzymes have an active site. This is where another molecule(s) can bind.

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions, without being used up or changed. Reactions can be completed at different rates. The rate of reaction is measured by observing how quickly reactants are used up or how quickly products are forming. The more finely divided the solid is, the faster the reaction happens.

Hypothesis: The higher the surface area to volume ratio the higher the rate of reaction.

Variables: The independent variable is the surface area.

The dependent variable is the amount of oxygen produced.

The controlled variables include:

Ø Volume should be constant

Ø Amount of hydrogen peroxide

Ø Amount of water

Ø Temperature

Ø Time

Ø Type of liver.

Apparatus:

Ø Liver samples

Ø Syringe

Ø Beaker

Ø Measuring cylinder

Ø Water

Ø Rubber tubing

Ø Beehive shelf

Ø 2 retort stands

Ø Hydrogen peroxide

Ø Test tubes

Method:

1. Set up equipment

2.fill up a...