Investigating the variables that affect temperature changes and chemical reactions
1. Measure the maximum temperature reached in an exothermic neutralization reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide
2. Use a measuring cylinder to measure 30 cm3 of dilute hydrochloric acid
3. Transfer the acid into a polystyrene cup
4. Stand the polystyrene cup inside a beaker
5. Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the acid and record it
6. Use a measuring cylinder to measure 5 cm3 of sodium hydroxide solution and transfer it to the polystyrene cup
7. Fit a plastic lid to the cup and place the thermometer through the hole in the lid
8. Gently stir the solution
9. Record the highest temperature reached
10. Repeat the experiment using 10 cm3, 15 cm3, 20 cm3, 25 cm3, 30 cm3, 35 cm3, and 40 cm3 of sodium hydroxide solution
11. Calculate the mean value for the maximum temperature reached for each volume of sodium hydroxide solution
12. Plot a graph of the results
