Lifshay-Nona-Speed 1

Introduction
Imagine being at a family party, with family members consuming alcohol. Do you
ever wonder how long the alcohol will be in their system? With kinetics, this can
determine by finding the rate of the reactions of alcohol. This is not only used with
alcohol, but many other situations. This lab inspected six different reactions.
This purpose of this paper is to display how the rates of six different reactions are
found, and what this means. The six reactions come from either crystal violet (C N H Cl),
25

30

malachite green (C H ClN ), or phenolphthalein (C H O ) mixed with either 0.01 or 0.02

23

25

20

14

M sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Crystal violet is an intense, beautiful, deep purple solution,
when mixed with sodium hydroxide it will dissolve, and become almost colorless over
time. Malachite green and phenolphthalein are both in the same class of chemicals with
crystal violet. Malachite green is a vibrant green solution, while phenolphthalein is a
colorless compound. Although when mixed with sodium hydroxide, create a pink
solution.
In this experiment, a colorimeter was used to determine the absorbance of the
reactions. With this raw data, the rate of the reaction was determined, using three
different equations. First, Beers law was used to take the raw absorbance and determine
the micromolar concentration of the crystal violet, malachite green, or phenolphthalein
(See Appendix B for sample calculation). With the micromolar concentration, the order of
the reaction was determined by taking the natural log and reciprocal of the concentrations
recorded. Whichever of the graphs had a better regression would determine the order of
the reaction. The more appropriate regression model is chosen by the graph that contains
less error and a smaller amount of residuals. After the order of the reaction is determined

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 2
the rate law can be used to determine the rate of the reaction (See Appendix B for sample
calculation). The rate of the reaction is recorded in concentration (M) vs time (s).
The rate of these specific reactions does not necessarily have many real world
applications, although it is very useful to do this experiment. The step by step procedure
from taking the absorbance and getting the rate of the reaction is done in this lab. For
example, go back to the alcohol reference; the rate of the reaction can be used to
determine how long alcohol is in someones body. This is because alcohol has a certain
ionization rate, this ionization rate displays how long it takes alcohol to metabolize. With
this information the amount of alcohol metabolized can compared to the amount of
alcohol absorbed in the bloodstream.

Review of Literature

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 3
The purpose of this experiment was to determine the order and rate of reaction for
sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and; crystal violet (C N H Cl), malachite green (C H ClN ),
25

30

23

25

and phenolphthalein (C H O ), using spectroscopy and graphical analysis (Chen). Crystal

20

14

violet is a unique, purple compound that belongs to the group of triphenylmethane dyes,
which is a class of intense colorful organic compounds (Compound). Malachite green and
phenolphthalein also belong to the same group as crystal violet. Malachite green is a deep
green substance, while phenolphthalein is colorless. Although phenolphthalein is
colorless, when it reacts with sodium hydroxide it becomes a deep pink.
Kinetic chemistry is a branch of science in which the rates of chemical reactions
occur, or how quickly reactants turn into products. The rate of a reaction is measured in
concentration vs. time (s), and when a catalyst is present, there are four major factors that
can affect the reaction rate. First, the concentration of the reactant. Second, the
concentration of the catalyst, then the temperature, and finally, the surface area of the
solid reactant and catalyst. Although, all reactions do not need a catalyst, and the surface
area of the reactant and the catalyst is not a factor when the reaction occurs between two
aqueous solutions.
In a reaction, there are many steps that occur. There is an activation energy (E )
a

needed for every reaction to take place. This activation energy is the minimum amount of
energy required to get the chemicals to move and collide with one another to create new
substances, or the products in a reactant. The molecules get this activation energy from
their kinetic energy, which is the speed of the chemicals. When energy is added to the
reactants, they can transition in a reaction to form the products.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 4

Figure 2. Activation Energy (E ).

a

Figure 2 displays an example of an exothermic reaction. The substances A

and B are mixed together to start the reaction. The maximum of the graph, or peak, is
when the reaction begins. That is this reaction's activation energy.
The molecules in a reaction also have to collide with each other at certain places
and in the right way, called the steric factor. An atom must hit another atom with the
correct orientation to react, if they do not hit in the right way, the molecules will not

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 5
react. To compare, if the backs of two velcro strips are rubbed together, they will never
stick, they must come in contact on the right side (Khan).
Rate of reaction is a multistep process. The speed of the reaction is only as fast as
its slowest step. To analyze the rate of the reaction, a spectrophotometer or colorimeter
needs to be used (Chen). The reaction that took place was simulated like this:
CV + OH CVOH
This is a simple equation used to represent the actual reaction. The crystal violet
(C N H Cl), CV , is purple when alone. Although, when it was mixed with sodium
25

30

hydroxide (NaOH), represented with OH, the end product came out to be colorless. Also,
an equation can be used to calculate the rate of the reaction:
Rate = k[CV] [OH]
n

In this reaction, k is a rate constant used for a reaction taken place at a particular
temperature. The exponents n and m are defined as the order of reaction for each reactant,
as the inputs for the solutions are the concentration, or molarity, of the substances. With
this equation, the rate of reaction was calculated. The rate of a reaction describes the
speed, concentration over time, of the reaction, at the temperature where the reaction took
place.
Multiple previous works have been found. Many are very similar, in which they
discussed kinetics and rate of reactions. Most of these labs have also used crystal violet
and sodium hydroxide as reactants in these reactions. One lab shows crystal violet
reacting with sodium hydroxide to get the absorbance and concentration of crystal violet,
then analyzed the natural log, and inverse of the concentrations (Lee). Another displayed
different amounts of crystal violet reactions over the effect of time (Vang). This lab tends

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 6
to be different due to the contrasting treatments used. Crystal violet being tested with
sodium hydroxide to react, over amounts of time, and at varying temperatures. Similar
outcomes were expected between this lab and previous searched. The same reaction rates
were unlikely to be found due to the fact that each reaction has its own concentration and
occurs at a certain temperature. The Flynn Scientific Lab was used as a basis for this lab.
It was concluded through the multiple works read, 10 mL of 0.02 M and then 5 mL of
0.01 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were used in this lab with 10 mL of crystal violet,
malachite green, or phenolphthalein, were going to be used in this lab.
Beers Law is used in this experiment to state that the optical absorbance of a
chromophore in a transparent solvent varies with both the sample cell and the
chromophore concentration (Beer's). Beers Law is equal to absorbance, A, equals
concentration of the solution, c, times the wavelength of the colorimeter used to record
the data, e, times the path length, or width of the cuvette used to hold the solution
(A=c*e*l). In this experiment the unknown value will be the concentration of the
substance, this can be solved for because the wavelength, path length, is given, and
absorbance is recorded. See Appendix B for an example of concentration being solved
for.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 7

Figure 1. Beers Law Example.

Figure 1 shows an example of beers law. The units were absorbance vs
concentration (M). As shown, there is a linear relationship between the two variables,
which is what beers law stated. The data shown on the figure is just an example of a
reaction.
Once concentration is determined, a lot can be done. First things first, the natural
log and reciprocal of the concentration is taken, this is to determine the reaction order.
With the reaction order, k can be found; this is a crucial part in determining the rate of the
reaction. The rate order is determined simply by looking at the graphed plots of the
natural log and reciprocal of the concentration of the solution. When the regression line
of the natural log of the concentration of the solution is better than the regression line of
the inverse of the concentration of the solution; the reaction is first order. If the regression
line of the reciprocal of the concentration of the solution is better than the natural log
regression line; the reaction is second order. If neither of the linear regression lines look
anywhere near the plotted data points, then the reaction is zero order. This is then plugged

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 8
in form in the equation k= k[X] to determine the k value. The k value is then plugged
m

into the rate law to determine the rate of the reaction. See Appendix B for a sample of
solving for k.
Spectroscopy is a technique for scientific measurement that measures lights that is
emitted, scattered, or absorbed by materials (Wiggins). Spectroscopy can also be used to
study, quantify, and identify those materials. Overall, its purpose is to analyze and there
are various types of spectroscopy that can be used to analyze. This experiment used a
colorimeter to determine the absorbance level of the reactions that took place (Vernier).
After analyzing the reactions color intensity, the colorimeter determines the concentration
of a solution. The colorimeter has different wavelength readings, which were used for the
different chemical reactions that occurred (see Appendix A for the used wavelengths).
Kinetics, although, is a much broader topic than just rate of reactions, it is applied
to many occurrences that happen to people in their everyday lives. With many factors that
can affect a reaction, there are many possibilities that could occur. There are many
variables that can be changed to experiment with, or be put to personal use. Rate of
reactions can be controlled and monitored to produce the solution that was hoped for.
Solutions of all kinds; to experiment with, to help, to dissolve, and more, are made every
day.
A reaction rate was used as part of the experiment to measure the change in
concentration (if any) of the reactants. The reaction rate is described as the change in
concentration of a substance divided by the time interval.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 9

Problem Statement
Problem Statement:
What is the reaction order and rate of reaction for each reaction between sodium
hydroxide and: crystal violet, malachite green, or phenolphthalein solutions?
Hypothesis:
Crystal violet and both concentrations of sodium hydroxide will be first order,
malachite green and both concentrations of sodium hydroxide will be second order, and
phenolphthalein along with both concentrations of sodium hydroxide will be zero order,
which will change the rate of reaction according to k.
Data Measured:

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 10
The data that will be measured is the absorbance between the chemical reaction of
sodium hydroxide and; crystal violet, malachite green, or phenolphthalein. When
absorbance is found, it will be used to find the reaction order and k value; which helps to
determine the rate of each particular reaction with the rate.

Experimental Design
Materials:
Crystal violet (C25N3H30Cl), 2.5 x 10-5 M solution, 1% alcoholic, 25 mL
Malachite green (C23H25ClN2), 2.7 x 10-7 M solution, 1% alcoholic, 25 mL
Phenolphthalein (C20H14O4), 3.1 x 10-5M solution, 1% alcoholic, 30 mL
Sodium hydroxide solution, NaOH, 0.02 M, 500 mL
3 Volumetric flask, borosilicate, 1000 mL
7 Cuvettes or test tubes
1 Stirring rod
Colorimeter (0.0000001 precision)
Data collection software (LabQuest)

5 Pipets, serological, 10-mL

2 Beaker, 50 mL
Kimwipes or lens paper
1 Pipet bulb or pipet filler
Water, distilled or deionized, 4 L

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 11

Diagram 1. Materials.
Diagram 1 displays the materials used in the lab.
*Note* For safety reasons wear goggles and a lab coat or apron.

Procedure:
1. Warm the colorimeter up for 10 to 15 minutes, set to a wavelength of 565 nm (unless
otherwise told or needed). See Appendix A for appropriate wavelength.
2. Before doing anything else, goggles must be put on to keep the chemicals from irritating
the eyes. If liked, an apron may also be worn to protect from staining your clothes or
skin.
3. Add 1 mL of crystal violet solution to the 1000 mL volumetric flask.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 12
4. Fill the volumetric flask to the 1000 mL (or 1 liter) mark with distilled water to dilute the
crystal violet. Always mix well before dispensing.
5. Mix 10 mL of NaOH and 10 mL of H2O in a beaker, to create solution for a blank. Fill a
cuvette with the created mix. Place cuvette into colorimeter, and select calibrate (to set
absorbance to zero). Make sure the arrow is pointing through the clear side of the cuvette
and close the lid.
6. Using a serological pipet, measure out 10.0 mL of the crystal violet solution within the
1000 mL volumetric flask and add it to a clean 50 mL beaker.
7. Measure 10 mL of 0.02 M sodium hydroxide in a serological pipet. Add the sodium
hydroxide into the 50 mL beaker with crystal violet. Mix and immediately press
Collect to begin recording data (on LabQuest). (See Appendix C for LabQuest setup)
8. Transfer the reacting solutions to a cuvette and clean the outside with a lint-free wipe.
Place into the colorimeter; make sure the arrow is pointing through the clear side of the
cuvette and close the lid. (See Diagram 2)
9. Record absorbance measurements every 20 seconds for 15 minutes. The first couple
measurements may be blank since the cuvette was not placed when started.
10. After the 15 minutes remove the cuvette from the spectrophotometer.
11. Repeat steps 5-10 with 0.01 M NaOH.
12. Once the absorbance is recorded, convert it to micromolar concentration, ln(micromolar
concentration), and 1/(micromolar concentration). (See Appendix B for conversions)
13. Once all data is recorded, graph ln [CV] vs. Time (first order), [CV] vs. Time (Zero
Order), and 1/[CV] vs. Time (Second Order). [CV] equals the absorbance. The graph
that gives a straight line (linear equation with slope) will be the rate of reaction for CV+.
The slope will be the pseudo-rate constant k.
14. Repeat steps 3-19 but substitute crystal violet for malachite green, and then
phenolphthalein.

Diagrams:

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 13

Diagram 2. Example of Cuvette Placement.

Diagram 2 displays the cuvette being placed into the colorimeter the correct way,
with the smooth side facing the arrows, as the colorimeter is plugged into the LabQuest to
record the data.

Data and Observations

Data:
Table 1.
Crystal Violet Reaction with Sodium Hydroxide.
Crystal Violet(10 mL) with Sodium Hydroxide(10 mL)

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 14

Time
(s)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
220
240
260
280
300
320
340
360
380
400
420
440
460
480
500
520
540
560
Time
(s)
580
600
620
640
660

Trans
(%T)

Abs

81.720489
81.720489
81.720489
82.330831
82.755891
83.124276
83.586393
83.954778
84.201095
84.693728
84.944405
85.310610
85.596163
86.005964
86.252281
86.507317
86.701319
87.087142
87.425011
87.660428
87.978678
88.344884
88.604279
88.868034
89.151408
89.454399
89.735592
89.975370
90.223866

0.087669
0.087669
0.087669
0.084438
0.082201
0.080272
0.077864
0.075955
0.074682
0.072149
0.070865
0.068997
0.067546
0.065471
0.064229
0.062947
0.061974
0.060046
0.058364
0.057196
0.055623
0.053819
0.052545
0.051254
0.049872
0.048398
0.047035
0.045876
0.044679

Trans
(%T)

Abs

90.526858
90.755736
91.004233
91.209133
91.418394

0.043223
0.042126
0.040938
0.039962
0.038966

[CV]
(micromolar
)
1.410604
1.410604
1.410604
1.358608
1.322624
1.291587
1.252847
1.222117
1.201645
1.160881
1.140229
1.110168
1.086817
1.053442
1.033458
1.012826
0.997173
0.966146
0.939088
0.920296
0.894973
0.865947
0.845459
0.824689
0.802442
0.778734
0.756802
0.738155
0.718883
[CV]
(micromolar
)
0.695455
0.677810
0.658703
0.642988
0.626974

ln[CV]

1/[CV]

0.344018
0.344018
0.344018
0.306461
0.279618
0.255872
0.225418
0.200585
0.183692
0.149179
0.131229
0.104512
0.083254
0.052063
0.032910
0.012745
-0.002831
-0.034441
-0.062846
-0.083060
-0.110962
-0.143932
-0.167875
-0.192749
-0.220095
-0.250086
-0.278653
-0.303601
-0.330057

0.708916
0.708916
0.708916
0.736047
0.756073
0.774241
0.798182
0.818252
0.832192
0.861415
0.877017
0.900764
0.920118
0.949269
0.967625
0.987336
1.002835
1.035041
1.064863
1.086607
1.117352
1.154805
1.182789
1.212578
1.246195
1.284136
1.321349
1.354728
1.391047

ln[CV]

1/[CV]

-0.363188
-0.388888
-0.417482
-0.441630
-0.466851

1.437907
1.475339
1.518134
1.555240
1.594963

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 15
680
700
720
740
760
780
800
820
840
860
880
900

91.577519
91.810757
92.076692
92.207479
92.390582
92.536628
92.660876
92.813462
93.000924
93.173128
93.245061
93.386748

0.038211
0.037106
0.035850
0.035234
0.034372
0.033686
0.033104
0.032389
0.031513
0.030709
0.030374
0.029715

0.614821
0.597046
0.576835
0.566916
0.553054
0.542017
0.532640
0.521143
0.507043
0.494116
0.488723
0.478113

-0.486424
-0.515761
-0.550199
-0.567544
-0.592300
-0.612459
-0.629909
-0.651731
-0.679159
-0.704985
-0.715959
-0.737907

1.626490
1.674912
1.733598
1.763929
1.808142
1.844962
1.877440
1.918860
1.972219
2.023815
2.046147
2.091554

Table 1 shows 10 mL of crystal violet mixed with 10 mL of sodium hydroxide

over a 15 minute period, 900 seconds.
Table 2.
Crystal Violet Reaction with Sodium Hydroxide and Distilled Water
Crystal Violet(10 mL) with Sodium Hydroxide(5 mL) and Distilled Water(5 mL)
Time
[CV]
Trans (%T)
Abs
ln[CV]
1/[CV]
(s)
(micromolar)
0 110.8970356 -0.0449199
-0.7227665
#NUM! -1.3835727
20 109.3341231 -0.0387557
-0.6235837
#NUM!
-1.603634
40
90.5007002
0.0433481
0.6974748 -0.3602889
1.4337435
60
86.921478
0.0608729
0.9794513 -0.0207628
1.0209798
80
87.1656149
0.0596548
0.959852 -0.0409762
1.0418273
100
87.3399985
0.0587868
0.9458861 -0.0556331
1.0572098
120
87.6168324
0.0574125
0.9237724 -0.0792896
1.0825178
140
87.8260926
0.0563764
0.9071028 -0.0974995
1.1024109
160
88.0680498
0.0551816
0.887878 -0.1189209
1.1262808
180
88.3819402
0.0536365
0.8630164 -0.1473216
1.1587265
Time
[CV]
Trans (%T)
Abs
ln[CV]
1/[CV]
(s)
(micromolar)
200
88.5563237
0.0527804
0.8492425 -0.1634105
1.17752
220
88.7634042
0.0517661
0.8329212 -0.1828163
1.2005938
240
89.0075411
0.0505732
0.813728 -0.2061291
1.2289118
260
89.1819247
0.0497232
0.8000508
-0.22308
1.2499206
280
89.3890051
0.0487159
0.7838439 -0.2435454
1.2757643
300
89.6331421
0.0475314
0.7647849 -0.2681607
1.3075573

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 16
320
340
360
380
400
420
440
460
480
500
520
540
560
580
600
620
640
660
680
700
720
740
760
780
800
820
840
860
880
Time
(s)
900

89.7726489
89.9797294
90.1541129
90.2936198
90.4658235
90.5704536
90.8145906
90.884344
91.0216711
91.1263012
91.265808
91.3006847
91.4053149
91.4401916
91.5775186
91.7519022
91.7867789
91.8565323
91.9611624
92.0309158
92.1333662
92.2379963
92.272873
92.3775031
92.4821333
92.4821333
92.5518867
92.6216401
92.6565168
Trans (%T)
92.7589671

0.046856
0.0458553
0.0450145
0.0443429
0.0435155
0.0430135
0.0418444
0.0415109
0.0408552
0.0403563
0.0396919
0.039526
0.0390286
0.0388629
0.0382111
0.0373849
0.0372199
0.03689
0.0363955
0.0360663
0.0355831
0.0350901
0.034926
0.0344338
0.0339422
0.0339422
0.0336147
0.0332875
0.033124
Abs
0.0326441

0.7539173
0.7378169
0.7242873
0.7134825
0.7001683
0.692091
0.6732803
0.6679151
0.6573644
0.6493364
0.6386468
0.6359769
0.6279735
0.6253077
0.6148211
0.6015273
0.5988716
0.5935632
0.5856082
0.5803098
0.5725352
0.564604
0.5619623
0.5540431
0.5461329
0.5461329
0.5408644
0.5355999
0.5329691
[CV]
(micromolar)
0.5252469

-0.2824726
-0.3040597
-0.3225671
-0.3375974
-0.3564346
-0.3680378
-0.3955935
-0.4035942
-0.4195168
-0.4318044
-0.4484038
-0.452593
-0.4652574
-0.4695115
-0.486424
-0.5082833
-0.512708
-0.5216116
-0.5351044
-0.5441931
-0.5576811
-0.5716306
-0.5763205
-0.5905127
-0.6048929
-0.6048929
-0.6145866
-0.6243679
-0.6292918
ln[CV]
-0.6438868

1.3264054
1.3553499
1.3806676
1.4015761
1.4282281
1.4448967
1.4852655
1.4971963
1.5212263
1.5400338
1.5658108
1.5723841
1.592424
1.5992127
1.6264895
1.6624349
1.669807
1.6847405
1.7076264
1.7232174
1.7466176
1.7711528
1.7794788
1.8049136
1.8310561
1.8310561
1.8488922
1.8670654
1.8762814
1/[CV]
1.9038665

Table 2 shows 10 mL of crystal violet mixed with 5 mL of sodium hydroxide and

5 mL of distilled water, over a 15 minute period, 900 seconds.
Table 3.
Malachite Green Reaction with Sodium Hydroxide.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 17
Malachite Green 0(10 mL) with Sodium Hydroxide(10 mL)

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 18

Time
(s)

Trans (%T)

0 100.231302
20 100.237841
40 100.237841
60 85.990706
80 85.868637
100 85.859918
120 86.154190
140 85.947110
160 85.997245
180 85.966728
200 86.167269
220 86.195607
240 86.049560
260 86.110595
280 86.367269
300 87.195607
320 88.049560
340 89.110595
360 92.440717
380 92.575864
400 92.652157
420 92.861418
440 93.105554
460 93.321354
480 93.245061
Time
(s)
500
520
540
560
580
600
620
640
660

Trans (%T)
93.606907
93.750774
93.750774
93.667941
93.955674
94.132238
94.097361
94.230328
94.315340

Abs
-0.001003
-0.001032
-0.001032
0.065549
0.066165
0.066210
0.064724
0.065769
0.065516
0.065670
0.064658
0.058515
0.055513
0.053943
0.049658
0.047515
0.045251
0.044943
0.034137
0.033502
0.033145
0.032165
0.031024
0.030019
0.030374
Abs
0.028692
0.028025
0.028025
0.028409
0.027077
0.026262
0.026423
0.025809
0.025418

[G]
(micromolar
)
-0.014365
-0.014770
-0.014770
0.938418
0.947250
0.947882
0.926608
0.941571
0.937945
0.940152
0.925665
0.837722
0.794752
0.772275
0.710919
0.680242
0.647836
0.643428
0.488714
0.479631
0.474509
0.460482
0.444158
0.429763
0.434848
[G]
(micromolar
)
0.410767
0.401219
0.401219
0.406715
0.387645
0.375972
0.378276
0.369496
0.363889

ln[G]

1/[G]

#NUM!
#NUM!
#NUM!
-0.063560
-0.054192
-0.053526
-0.076224
-0.060206
-0.064064
-0.061714
-0.077243
-0.177069
-0.229725
-0.258415
-0.341197
-0.385307
-0.434118
-0.440946
-0.715977
-0.734738
-0.745474
-0.775481
-0.811576
-0.844521
-0.832758

-69.615258
-67.703415
-67.703415
1.065623
1.055687
1.054984
1.079205
1.062055
1.066161
1.063658
1.080305
1.193714
1.258254
1.294875
1.406631
1.470066
1.543601
1.554177
2.046185
2.084936
2.107441
2.171636
2.251453
2.326862
2.299652

ln[G]

1/[G]

-0.889728
-0.913248
-0.913248
-0.899643
-0.947666
-0.978242
-0.972132
-0.995615
-1.010906

2.434468
2.492405
2.492405
2.458726
2.579681
2.659775
2.643575
2.706389
2.748089

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 19
680
700
720
740
760
780
800
820
840
860
880
900

94.241227
94.339318
94.502803
94.703344
94.703344
94.651029
94.910424
94.923503
95.069549
95.036852
95.039032
95.200337

0.025759
0.025307
0.024555
0.023635
0.023635
0.023875
0.022686
0.022626
0.021959
0.022108
0.022098
0.021362

0.368777
0.362309
0.351544
0.338364
0.338364
0.341799
0.324783
0.323926
0.314367
0.316506
0.316364
0.305820

-0.997563
-1.015259
-1.045422
-1.083635
-1.083635
-1.073532
-1.124598
-1.127240
-1.157193
-1.150413
-1.150863
-1.184759

2.711667
2.760077
2.844598
2.955402
2.955402
2.925696
3.078980
3.087123
3.180991
3.159496
3.160920
3.269899

Table 3 shows 10 mL of malachite green mixed with 10 mL of sodium hydroxide

over a 15 minute period, 900 seconds.
Table 4.
Malachite Green Reaction with Sodium Hydroxide and Distilled Water.
Malachite Green(10 mL) with Sodium Hydroxide(5 mL) and
Distilled Water(5 mL)
Time
[G]
Trans (%T)
Abs
ln[G]
1/[G]
(s)
(micromolar)
0 100.240021 -0.001041
-0.014906
#NUM! -67.089284
20 100.242201 -0.001051
-0.015041
#NUM! -66.486208
40 100.240021 -0.001041
-0.014906
#NUM! -67.089284
60 77.607217
0.110098
1.576205
0.455020
0.634435
Time
[G]
Trans (%T)
Abs
ln[G]
1/[G]
(s)
(micromolar)
80 77.055729
0.113195
1.620545
0.482763
0.617076
100 77.166898
0.112569
1.611581
0.477216
0.620509
120 77.212674
0.112311
1.607894
0.474925
0.621932
140 76.820311
0.114524
1.639570
0.494434
0.609916
160 77.053549
0.113207
1.620721
0.482871
0.617009
180 74.734248
0.126480
1.810742
0.593737
0.552260
200 74.954407
0.125203
1.792453
0.583585
0.557895
220 74.956587
0.125190
1.792272
0.583484
0.557951
240 75.124431
0.124219
1.778365
0.575695
0.562314
260 74.727709
0.126518
1.811286
0.594037
0.552094
280 74.601281
0.127254
1.821814
0.599833
0.548903

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 20
300 74.884654
320 74.847597
340 74.734248
360 74.734248
380 74.889013
400 74.603460
420 74.849777
440 74.483572
460 74.675394
480 74.328806
500 74.603460
520 74.435616
540 74.274311
560 74.204558
580 74.298289
600 74.198019
620 74.276491
640 74.269952
660 73.746801
680 73.812195
700 74.324447
720 74.392020
740 73.984399
760 74.154423
Time
Trans (%T)
(s)
780 74.143524
800 73.921185
820 74.019275
840 74.143524
860 73.888488
880 73.803476
900 73.520103

0.125607
0.125822
0.126480
0.126480
0.125582
0.127241
0.125810
0.127940
0.126823
0.128843
0.127241
0.128219
0.129161
0.129569
0.129021
0.129608
0.129149
0.129187
0.132257
0.131872
0.128868
0.128474
0.130860
0.129863
Abs
0.129927
0.131231
0.130655
0.129927
0.131423
0.131923
0.133594

1.798242
1.801319
1.810742
1.810742
1.797880
1.821633
1.801138
1.831632
1.815640
1.844565
1.821633
1.835637
1.849125
1.854967
1.847118
1.855515
1.848942
1.849490
1.893440
1.887930
1.844929
1.839279
1.873441
1.859169
[G]
(micromolar)
1.860083
1.878756
1.870511
1.860083
1.881506
1.888664
1.912583

0.586809
0.588519
0.593737
0.593737
0.586608
0.599733
0.588419
0.605208
0.596438
0.612243
0.599733
0.607391
0.614712
0.617867
0.613627
0.618162
0.614614
0.614910
0.638396
0.635481
0.612441
0.609374
0.627777
0.620130
ln[G]
0.620621
0.630610
0.626212
0.620621
0.632073
0.635870
0.648455

0.556099
0.555149
0.552260
0.552260
0.556211
0.548958
0.555205
0.545961
0.550770
0.542133
0.548958
0.544770
0.540796
0.539093
0.541384
0.538934
0.540850
0.540690
0.528139
0.529681
0.542026
0.543691
0.533777
0.537875
1/[G]
0.537611
0.532267
0.534613
0.537611
0.531489
0.529475
0.522853

Table 4 shows 10 mL of malachite green mixed with 5 mL of sodium hydroxide

and 5 mL of distilled water, over a 15 minute period, 900 seconds.
Table 5.
Phenolphthalein Reaction with Sodium Hydroxide.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 21

Time (s)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
220
240
260
280
300
320
340
360
380
Time (s)
400
420
440
460
480
500
520
540
560
580
600
620
640

Phenolphthalein(10 mL) with Sodium Hydroxide(10 mL)

[P]
Trans (%T)
Abs
(micromolar
ln[P]
1/[P]
)
88.159601 0.054730
0.880618 -0.127132 1.135567
88.159601 0.054730
0.880618 -0.127132 1.135567
88.020094 0.055418
0.891684 -0.114643 1.121473
88.024454 0.055397
0.891338 -0.115032 1.121909
88.096387 0.055042
0.885630 -0.121456 1.129140
88.094207 0.055053
0.885803 -0.121261 1.128919
88.096387 0.055042
0.885630 -0.121456 1.129140
88.126904 0.054892
0.883210 -0.124193 1.132234
88.122545 0.054913
0.883555 -0.123801 1.131791
88.192298 0.054569
0.878026 -0.130079 1.138918
89.748671 0.046972
0.755784 -0.280000 1.323129
89.772649 0.046856
0.753917 -0.282473 1.326405
89.755211 0.046940
0.755275 -0.280674 1.324021
89.766110 0.046888
0.754426 -0.281798 1.325511
89.790087 0.046772
0.752560 -0.284275 1.328798
89.794447 0.046751
0.752221 -0.284725 1.329397
89.779188 0.046824
0.753408 -0.283148 1.327302
89.761750 0.046909
0.754766 -0.281348 1.324914
89.763930 0.046898
0.754596 -0.281573 1.325212
89.838043 0.046540
0.748829 -0.289245 1.335419
[P]
Trans (%T)
Abs
(micromolar
ln[P]
1/[P]
)
90.810231 0.041865
0.673616 -0.395095 1.484526
90.770995 0.042053
0.676636 -0.390622 1.477900
90.840748 0.041719
0.671268 -0.398587 1.489718
90.747017 0.042168
0.678482 -0.387898 1.473879
90.773175 0.042043
0.676468 -0.390870 1.478267
90.775354 0.042032
0.676300 -0.391119 1.478634
90.842928 0.041709
0.671100 -0.398837 1.490091
90.840748 0.041719
0.671268 -0.398587 1.489718
90.858187 0.041636
0.669927 -0.400587 1.492701
90.840748 0.041719
0.671268 -0.398587 1.489718
90.884344 0.041511
0.667915 -0.403594 1.497196
91.525204 0.038459
0.618814 -0.479950 1.615994
91.579698 0.038201
0.614655 -0.486695 1.626930

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 22
660
680
700
720
740
760
780
800
820
840
860
880
900

91.632014
91.695228
91.784599
94.871188
94.901705
94.646669
94.677186
94.644489
94.731681
94.738220
94.773097
94.775277
94.770917

0.037953
0.037653
0.037230
0.022866
0.022726
0.023895
0.023755
0.023905
0.023505
0.023475
0.023315
0.023305
0.023325

0.610664
0.605845
0.599038
0.367911
0.365664
0.384468
0.382215
0.384629
0.378194
0.377712
0.375140
0.374979
0.375300

-0.493208
-0.501131
-0.512431
-0.999915
-1.006042
-0.955896
-0.961772
-0.955477
-0.972348
-0.973624
-0.980457
-0.980886
-0.980029

1.637562
1.650587
1.669344
2.718050
2.734755
2.600999
2.616329
2.599911
2.644146
2.647522
2.665674
2.666817
2.664533

Table 5 shows 10 mL of phenolphthalein mixed with 10 mL of sodium hydroxide

over a 15 minute period, 900 seconds.

Table 6.
Phenolphthalein Reaction with Sodium Hydroxide and Distilled Water.
Phenolphthalein(10 mL) with Sodium Hydroxide(5mL) and
Distilled Water(5 mL)
[P]
Time
Trans (%T)
Abs
(micromolar
ln[P]
1/[P]
(s)
)
100.23130
0
-0.001003
-0.015840
#NUM! -63.129657
2
100.23784
20
-0.001032
0.880618 -0.127132
1.135567
1
100.25746
40
-0.001117
0.891684 -0.114643
1.121473
0
60 87.087142
0.060046
0.891338 -0.115032
1.121909
80 87.425011
0.058364
0.885630 -0.121456
1.129140
100 87.660428
0.057196
0.885803 -0.121261
1.128919
120 87.978678
0.055623
0.885630 -0.121456
1.129140

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 23
140
160
180
200
220
240
260
280
300
320
340
360
380
400
420
440
460
480
500
520
540
560
580
600
620
Time
(s)
640
660
680
700
720
740
760
780
800
820
840

88.344884
88.604279
88.868034
89.748671
89.772649
89.755211
89.766110
89.790087
89.794447
89.779188
89.761750
89.763930
89.838043
89.803166
89.894717
89.883818
89.862021
89.957931
89.977550
89.981909
90.005887
90.136675
90.132315
90.149753
90.127955
Trans (%T)
90.106158
90.212967
90.171551
90.212967
90.243485
90.271822
90.271822
90.252204
90.319777
90.274002
90.278361

0.053819
0.052545
0.051254
0.046972
0.046856
0.046940
0.046888
0.046772
0.046751
0.046824
0.046909
0.046898
0.046540
0.046708
0.046266
0.046319
0.046424
0.045961
0.045866
0.045845
0.045729
0.045099
0.045120
0.045036
0.045141
Abs
0.045246
0.044731
0.044931
0.044731
0.044584
0.044448
0.044448
0.044542
0.044217
0.044437
0.044416

0.883210
0.883555
0.878026
0.755784
0.753917
0.755275
0.754426
0.752560
0.752221
0.753408
0.754766
0.754596
0.748829
0.673616
0.676636
0.671268
0.678482
0.676468
0.676300
0.671100
0.671268
0.669927
0.671268
0.667915
0.618814
[P]
(micromolar
)
0.614655
0.610664
0.605845
0.599038
0.367911
0.365664
0.384468
0.382215
0.384629
0.378194
0.377712

-0.124193
-0.123801
-0.130079
-0.280000
-0.282473
-0.280674
-0.281798
-0.284275
-0.284725
-0.283148
-0.281348
-0.281573
-0.289245
-0.395095
-0.390622
-0.398587
-0.387898
-0.390870
-0.391119
-0.398837
-0.398587
-0.400587
-0.398587
-0.403594
-0.479950
ln[P]
-0.486695
-0.493208
-0.501131
-0.512431
-0.999915
-1.006042
-0.955896
-0.961772
-0.955477
-0.972348
-0.973624

1.132234
1.131791
1.138918
1.323129
1.326405
1.324021
1.325511
1.328798
1.329397
1.327302
1.324914
1.325212
1.335419
1.484526
1.477900
1.489718
1.473879
1.478267
1.478634
1.490091
1.489718
1.492701
1.489718
1.497196
1.615994
1/[P]
1.626930
1.637562
1.650587
1.669344
2.718050
2.734755
2.600999
2.616329
2.599911
2.644146
2.647522

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 24
860
880
900

90.439666
90.550836
90.550836

0.043641
0.043108
0.043108

0.375140
0.374979
0.375300

-0.980457
-0.980886
-0.980029

2.665674
2.666817
2.664533

Table 6 shows 10 mL of phenolphthalein mixed with 5 mL of sodium hydroxide

and 5 mL of distilled water, over a 15 minute period, 900 seconds.
The six recorded trials were the most appropriate to be used in analysis. Many of
the reactions done were not fully completed. For some trials, the absorbance reading
would plummet to zero in the middle of a reaction. Other times, the LabQuest may have
been uncooperative, during the 15 minute measurement readings.
Most of the trials above contain at least one or two data points recorded as
#NUM. This represents the time in which it took after the colorimeter was started to
put the mixture in a cuvette and put the cuvette in the colorimeter. The definition #NUM
came out because the absorbance and micromolar concentration are negative; it is
impossible to take a natural log of a negative number.

Observations:
Table 7.
Observations Taken during Lab.
Tria
l

Observation

Researcher A extracted crystal violet solution from the volumetric flask, then the
sodium hydroxide, and stirred in beaker. Researcher B started collection and
placed mix in colorimeter.

Researcher B withdrew sodium hydroxide and water and placed into a beaker.
Then extracted crystal violet from the volumetric flask, and stirred in beaker.
Researcher C started collection and placed mix in colorimeter.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 25
3

Researcher C extracted malachite green solution from the volumetric flask, then
the sodium hydroxide, and stirred in beaker. Researcher A started collection and
placed mix in colorimeter. Some of the mixed spilled while pouring into cuvette.

Researcher A withdrew sodium hydroxide and water and placed into a beaker.
Then extracted malachite green from the volumetric flask, and stirred in beaker.
Researcher B started collection and placed mix in colorimeter.

Researcher B extracted phenolphthalein solution from the volumetric flask, then

the sodium hydroxide, and stirred in beaker. Researcher C started collection and
placed mix in colorimeter.

Researcher A withdrew sodium hydroxide and water and placed into a beaker.
Then took out phenolphthalein from the volumetric flask, and stirred in beaker.
Researcher B started collection and placed mix in colorimeter.
Table 7 shows observations taken place during the lab. There are six different lab

reactions done that were recorded.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

This experiment displays a series of reactions between two solutions. One always
being sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and the other being either crystal violet (C H ClN ),
25

30

malachite green (C H ClN ), or phenolphthalein (C H O ). When sodium hydroxide and

23

25

20

14

one of the three other solutions react, the combined solutions make a color. The lab
displays the color of the solution going from a color to colorless. The absorbance is
collected over a 15 minute period of time, thus the rate law can be determined.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 26
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Crystal Violet

Figure 2. Absorbance of Crystal Violet vs. Time (0.02 M NaOH)

Figure 2 displays the raw data recorded, the absorbance. This absorbance is used
to determine the amount of micromolar crystal violet contained in the solution. To
determine the amount of micromolar crystal violet contained, the absorbance is
substituted into Beers Law (see Appendix A).

Figure 3. Micromolar [Crystal Violet] vs. Time (0.02 M NaOH)

Figure 3 displays the micromolar concentration of crystal violet, using Beers
Law and raw absorbance found. This value can now be used to determine the order and
rate of reaction.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 27

Figure 4. ln[Crystal Violet] vs. Time (0.02 M NaOH) and

1/[Crystal Violet] vs. Time (0.02 M NaOH)
The left graph of Figure 4 displays the natural log of the concentration of crystal
violet solved for above, next to the reciprocal or 1/ the concentration of crystal violet
when the molarity of the present sodium hydroxide is 0.02.
These graphs are important because the rate law, which is what the whole purpose
of the lab is, can be determined when the order is defined using the graphs above. Each of
the two graphs above show a linear regression line, whereas an exponential model or any
other models may represent the data better. The two graphs in figure 4 can be used to
determine the order of the reaction. When the regression line of the natural log of the
concentration of the solution is better than the regression line of the inverse of the
concentration of the solution; the reaction is first order. If the regression line of the
reciprocal of the concentration of the solution is better than the natural log regression
line; the reaction is second order. If neither of the linear regression lines look anywhere
near the plotted data points, then the reaction is zero order.
The order of the reaction is crucial when determining the rate of reaction, using
the rate law. The equation for rate law is:
Rate = k[X]m[Y]n

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 28
k being the constant solved for (explained next), [X] and [Y] being the concentration of
the X and Y solutions, and m and n being the reaction order. If the reaction is zero order
then m is 0, if it is first order m and n are 1, and second order reactions result in m
equaling 2. Since the concentration and m is known, k must be solved for. Rate law is
measured in concentration vs. time(s).
To solve for k, the equation:
k= k[X]m
k is equal to the negative slope of the regression line that was determined to be the best
of all, [X] again means the concentration of X, and m is the reaction order. This means
that k is the only unknown, which is needed for the rate law (k[X]m[Y]n).
Figure 3 shows that this reaction is in fact a first order reaction, and the molarity
of the sodium hydroxide is 0.02. As a result, k is the only thing that needs to be found
(k[0.02]1). The negative slope of the natural log of the concentration of crystal violet is
0.001267, so everything needed to find k is set: 0.001267= k[0.02]1. Using simple algebra
k was found to be 0.06335.
The rate law is; rate is equal to k[X]m[Y]n, this is used to determine the rate of
reaction. All the variables are known and can be substituted in to calculate the answer. As
a result the rate law is equal to 0.06335 [2.5*10-5]1[0.02]1. Meaning the rate of this
reaction is 3.1675 * 10-8. The rate law is needed so fellow researchers can conduct future
research.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 29

Figure 5. Micromolar [Crystal Violet] vs. Time (0.01 M NaOH)

Figure 5 displays the micromolar concentration of crystal violet when the
molarity of the sodium hydroxide is held to 0.01. Although the absorbance graph has
been removed, the micromolar and absorbance graphs are similar.

Figure 6. ln[Crystal Violet] vs. Time (0.01 M NaOH) and

1/[Crystal Violet] vs. Time (0.01 M NaOH)
Figure 6 displays the natural log of the concentration of crystal violet solved for
above, next to the reciprocal or 1/ the concentration of crystal violet when the molarity of
the present sodium hydroxide is 0.01. Unlike when the molarity of the sodium hydroxide
was 0.02, this reaction is second order meaning that m will equal 2 for both the rate law
and solving for k (k[X]m).
To solve for k, the negative slope, reaction order, and morality of the sodium
hydroxide were used once again. -0.001067= k[0.01]2 this equation was used to solve for
k, k equals -10.67; making the rate law equation for this reaction is -10.67[2.5*105 2

] [0.01]2. Meaning the rate is equal to-6.66875*10-13.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 30

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Malachite Green

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 31
Figure 7. Micromolar [Malachite Green] vs. Time (0.02 M NaOH)

Figure 8. ln[Malachite Green] vs. Time (0.02 M NaOH) and

1/[Malachite Green] vs. Time (0.02 M NaOH)
For the previous set of graphs, the reaction took place between 10 mL of
malachite green (C H ClN ) and 10 mL of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). These graphs are
23

25

not as constant as the crystal violet at first glance. The green of the chemical was still
visible after being mixed with the NaOH.
The raw absorbance data was taken to calculate the micromolar concentration of
malachite green contained in the solution as the reaction took place, displayed in figure 7.
The left graph in figure 8 shows the natural log, or ln() of each of the micromolar
malachite green concentrations. The right graph shows the reciprocal of micromolar
malachite green concentration. The regression line and residuals were found for both
graphs. The reciprocal of malachite green concentration is shown to be more appropriate
than the ln of the concentration of malachite green, chosen by looking at the sum of
squares and residual plot to determine which had the line of best fit. The reaction between
malachite green and sodium hydroxide is a second-order reaction.
The rate constant k can now be determined with the rate law equation; k[NaOH] .
m

The [NaOH] being the molarity of the sodium hydroxide in the mixture and m is equal to
the order of the reaction. K is found by using the equation k= k[NaOH] , k is equal to
m

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 32
the opposite of the slope of the regression line (-0.002988), [NaOH] is equal to the
molarity of the used sodium hydroxide (0.02), and m is equal to the order of the reaction,
which equals 2; because it is a second-order reaction. K is then calculated to be -7.47.
Now, substituting variables into the rate law equation, k[X] [Y] , the rate of this reaction
m

concludes to -7.47[2.7*10-5]2[0.02]2 , or -2.17825*10-12.

Figure 9. Micromolar [Malachite Green] vs. Time (0.01 M NaOH)

Figure 10. ln[Malachite Green] vs. Time (0.01 M NaOH) and

1/[Malachite Green] vs. Time (0.01 M NaOH)

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 33

For this set of graphs, the reaction took place between 10 mL of malachite green
(C H ClN ), 5 mL of distilled water (H O), and 5 mL of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). This
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25

data set is different from the others, where the absorbance is rising. This is turn has
different slopes and lines on the other graphs. The green of the chemical was still visible
after being mixed with the NaOH and distilled water.
Once again, the raw absorbance data was taken to calculate the micromolar
concentration of malachite green contained in the solution as the reaction took place,
displayed in figure 9.
The same processes have been done on these graphs. The left graph in figure 10
shows the natural log, or ln() of each of the micromolar malachite green concentrations.
The right graph shows the reciprocal of micromolar malachite green concentration. The
regression line and residuals were found for both graphs. The reciprocal of malachite
green concentration is shown to be more appropriate than the ln of the concentration of
malachite green, chosen by looking at the sum of squares and residual plot to determine
which had the line of best fit. The reaction between malachite green and 5 mL sodium
hydroxide is a second-order reaction. This makes sense since, except for the distilled
water; the same chemicals are being used.
The rate constant k can now be determined with the rate law equation; k[NaOH]m.
The same variables can be plugged in the equation. K is found by using the equation k=
k[NaOH]m, k is equal to the opposite of the slope of the regression line, which in this
case is -0.00009. K is then calculated to be 0.009. Meaning the rate of the reaction is
-0.009[2.7*10-5]2[0.01]2, or otherwise -6.561*10-16.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 34

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Phenolphthalein

Figure 11. Micromolar [Phenolphthalein] vs. Time (0.02 M NaOH)

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 35

Figure 12. ln[Phenolphthalein] vs. Time (0.02 M NaOH) and

1/[Phenolphthalein] vs. Time (0.02 M NaOH)
Here, 10 mL of phenolphthalein (C H O ) and 10 mL of sodium hydroxide
20

14

(NaOH) were poured into a beaker to measure their reaction rate. Phenolphthalein and
sodium hydroxide are both colorless chemicals, although, when mixed together, they
begin reacting to form a light pinkish colored solution. The absorbance was then taken
with the colorimeter.
Repeated, the raw absorbance data was taken to calculate the micromolar
concentration of phenolphthalein contained in the solution as the reaction took place,
displayed in figure 11.
The left graph in figure 12 shows the natural log, or ln() of each of the
micromolar phenolphthalein concentrations. The right graph shows the reciprocal of
micromolar phenolphthalein concentration. The regression line and residuals were found
for both graphs. The natural log of the phenolphthalein concentration is shown to be more
appropriate than the reciprocal of the concentration of malachite green. The reaction
between phenolphthalein and sodium hydroxide is a first-order reaction.
For k= k[NaOH]m, k is equal to the opposite of the slope of the regression line,
which is 0.001059. K, using simple math techniques, is then calculated to be 0.05295.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 36
Meaning the rate of the reaction is equal to 0.05295[3.1*10-5]1[0.02]1 which is calculated
to be 3.2829*10-8.

Figure 13. Micromolar [Phenolphthalein] vs. Time (0.01 M NaOH)

Figure 14. ln[Phenolphthalein] vs. Time (0.01 M NaOH) and

1/[Phenolphthalein] vs. Time (0.02 M NaOH)

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 37

Now, the mixture contains 10 mL of phenolphthalein (C H O ), 5 mL of water

20

14

(H O), and 5 mL of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). When the phenolphthalein and sodium
2

hydroxide are mixed, the pinkish color solution still occurs, although just a little diluted
from the distilled water.
Again, the raw absorbance data was taken to calculate the micromolar
concentration of phenolphthalein contained in the solution as the reaction took place,
displayed in figure 13.
Using similar methods as the previous ones done before, figure 14 was created.
The left graph in figure 14 shows the natural log, or ln() of each of the micromolar
phenolphthalein concentrations. The right graph shows the reciprocal of micromolar
phenolphthalein concentration. The natural log of the phenolphthalein concentration
contains a better regression than the reciprocal of the concentration of malachite green.
The reaction between phenolphthalein and sodium hydroxide is a first-order reaction.
This makes sense since, except for the distilled water; the same chemicals are being used.
The same variables can be plugged in the equation. K is found by using the
equation k= k[NaOH]m, k is equal to the opposite of the slope of the regression line,
which in this case is 0.0011. K is then calculated to be 0.11 for this reaction. Meaning the
rate of the reaction is 0.0011[3.1*10-5]1[0.01]1 or 3.41*10-10.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 38

Conclusion
The lab is done to determine the order and rate of reaction between sodium
hydroxide (NaOH) and: crystal violet (C H ClN ), malachite green (C H ClN ), and
25

30

23

25

phenolphthalein (C H O ) solutions. The hypothesis was that crystal violet and both
20

14

concentrations of sodium hydroxide (0.002 M and 0.001 M) will be first order, malachite
green and both concentrations of sodium hydroxide will be second order, and
phenolphthalein along and both concentrations of sodium hydroxide will be zero order.
This hypothesis was rejected by the researchers.
The researchers first concluded that the hypothesized order of reactions were not
correct. As seen in the Data Analysis and Interpretation, the orders of reaction found do
not match the hypothesis. Crystal violet, with 10 mL of sodium hydroxide, was
determined to be a first-order reaction as expected. Although, crystal violet with 5 mL of

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 39
sodium hydroxide was calculated to be a second-order reaction. This is very unusual that
the same solutions with different molarity sodium hydroxide had different reaction
orders. Previous analyzed works state that the reaction is a first-order reaction. Having
determined two different orders for similar reactions could have came from experimental
errors. The hypothesis was partially correct for this portion. Both of the malachite green
reactions, with different molarities, were determined as second-order reaction. This is
plausible due to the fact that the same chemicals were used with the addition of water.
The two reactions should have the same order of reaction. The hypothesis for this portion
was correct, that this reaction will be a second-order reaction. That data and science
behind the reaction supports the solutions found. Both of the phenolphthalein reactions,
with different molarities, were determined at first-order reactions. This, being the last
portion of the hypothesis, is rejected. The predetermined reaction order was zero-order,
but after finalizing the lab, the phenolphthalein reaction was analyzed to be a first-order
reaction. According to previous works observed, phenolphthalein should be a first-order
reaction with respect to sodium hydroxide.
The graphs created in the Data Analysis and Interpretation were used to determine
this reaction order. The first order reactions came from reactions that showed that the
natural log of the micromolar concentration had the best regression compared to the
reciprocal. If the reciprocal of the micromolar concentration had a more precise
regression than the natural log, it is a second-order reaction. If neither could be chosen,
the reaction could be a zero-order reaction, which none of occurred in this lab. Data that
had a better regression signified that it was a better model than the other graphs it was

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 40
being compared to. The regression models chosen had less errors, less residuals, and
matched the data.
After having calculated the order of reaction, the researchers can determine the
variables k, k (pseudo), and the rate of reaction. The main objective to calculate is k,
which is the constant for the reaction rate. To solve for k, this equation must be used:
k= k[X]

K is equal to the negative slope of the regression line that was determined from the line
of best fit, [X] means the concentration of X; which in this case is the molarity of sodium
hydroxide, which will either be 0.02 or 0.01; and m is the reaction order. This means that
k is the only unknown, which is the constant of the rate of reaction.
After the graphs of the reactions were completed and using algebra to solve, the k
values were found. Here are the k values found for each reaction, at the particular
temperature they were done at. The crystal violet vs. 0.02 M sodium hydroxide reaction
had a k value equal to 0.06335. The crystal violet vs. 0.01 M sodium hydroxide reaction
had a k value equal to -10.67. The malachite green vs. 0.02 M sodium hydroxide reaction
had a k value equal to -7.47. The malachite green vs. 0.01 M sodium hydroxide reaction
had a k value equal to 0.009. The phenolphthalein vs. 0.02 M sodium hydroxide reaction
had a k value equal to 0.05295. The phenolphthalein vs. 0.01 M sodium hydroxide
reaction had a k value equal to 0.11. The crystal violet vs. 0.01 M sodium hydroxide and
malachite green vs. 0.02 M sodium hydroxide reactions had a negative k value. Although,
the absolute value of the k value is the necessity, due to the fact that the constant rate of k
is what is needed, nevertheless of its sign.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 41
With the k constant for each reaction found, the rate of reaction (concentration
(M) vs time (s)) can be calculated for each. The rate equation is:
Rate=k[X] [Y]
m

This will determine the rate of the reaction that occurred at its particular
temperature. The k is the rate constant that was just found. The X and the Y are the
molarities of the two chemicals used in the reaction. The m and n are equal to the order of
the reaction. The rate of reaction can now be found (see Appendix B for sample
calculation).
The rate of reaction was finally calculated towards the end of the inquiry lab.
Here is the rate of reaction for each solution, at the particular temperature they were done
at. The crystal violet vs. 0.02 M sodium hydroxide reaction had a rate of 3.1675*10-8. The
crystal violet vs. 0.01 M sodium hydroxide reaction had a rate of -6.66875*10-13. The
malachite green vs. 0.02 M sodium hydroxide had a rate of -2.17825*10-12. The malachite
green vs. 0.01 M sodium hydroxide had a rate of -6.561*10-16. The phenolphthalein vs.
0.02 M sodium hydroxide had a rate of 3.2829*10-8. The phenolphthalein vs. 0.01 M
sodium hydroxide had a rate of 3.41*10-10.
There were strong and weak points that came about during this experiment. First
things first, the design was used from Flynns official labs, meaning the lab is certified
and has been ran multiple times before. Another positive impact was, the solutions were
measured in a precise way; serological pipets were used to gather the exact milliliter
amount of each solution whether it be crystal violet or sodium hydroxide. The researchers
also sterilized all of the tools before and after each trial, making the data as pure as
possible. By sterilizing the equipment used, previous trials could not affect the next trials

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 42
to be done, and then in turn would not affect future trials. If the materials were not
cleaned, crystal violet may be noticed in a malachite green solution. The two chemicals
also are viewed at different absorbance levels. This would give out insufficient
information and data.
Although the experiment had strong features, it still contained flaws. For example
the colorimeter had its moments where it occasionally decided to act up. For example, the
colorimeter would be taking data from the solution; then randomly drop to 0 absorbance
which definitely should not be the case. This could be the colorimeter or the LabQuest
which records the data. Also the temperature can affect the rate in which a reaction takes
place, the data was recorded on different days; meaning that the lab temperature varied.
Along with flaws in the experiment there were mistakes, for example occasionally
the solution spilled out of the 50 mL beaker. Also the solution was mixed at different
rates meaning they could have been over mixed or under mixed. Finally the lab was not
started on the LabQuest at the exact same time, making the data differ.
This experiments goal was to calculate the rate of each reaction. After the rates of
reactions were determined, that rate law can be used to understand the composition of the
reaction mixture. So the next possible lab could be to look into the composition of the
reaction closer, or completely eliminate the sodium hydroxide and substitute it with
another chemical.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 43

Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Mrs. Hilliard and Mrs. Dewey for the help and guidance when
needed. Also Mr. Supal for the formatting help when necessary. All of the teachers were
big helps.
We would also like to thank our parents for the moral support.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 44

Appendix A: Reference Tables

In order to read the absorbance of the reaction, the wavelength of the transmitted
light must be at the opposite side of the visible light spectrum. This wavelength is what
the colorimeter should be set to.
Table 1.
Colorimeter Wavelengths
Colorimeter Wavelengths
Crystal Violet

590 nm

Malachite Green

615 nm

Phenolphthalein

555 nm

Table one above displays the wavelength the colorimeter should be set to for each
of the reactions throughout the lab.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 45

Appendix B: Sample Calculations

Beers Law can be used for absorbance, path length, wavelength, or
concentration. The equation above displays Beers law, A equals absorbance, e equals
wavelength, l is path length and c is concentration.
A= e*c*l
For this experiment the concentration was the only unknown variable.
A=e*c*l
Ae*l=c
0.0783565*1.1=c
621.5=c
Figure 1. Example Calculation to Determine Concentration

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 46
Figure 1 displays Beers Law being used to solve for the concentration of the
crystal violet, when the wavelength, width of cuvette, and absorbance is known.
The research uses a descriptive analysis structure, to determine the rate law, k
must be found.
k= k[X]m
The equation above is used to solve for k. k is equal to the negative slope of the
regression line used, [X] is the molarity of the used substance, and m is determined by
what order of reaction it is, whether it is zero-order, first-order, or second-order m could
be 0, 1, or 2.

0.001267= k (0.02)1
0.001267(0.02)1= k
0.06335=k
Figure 2. Example Calculation to Determine k
Figure 2 shows how k was solved. k is a constant variable needed for the rate law.
After k is found, the rate law of kinetics can be used to determine the rate of the
reaction. The rate of reaction is measured in concentration (M) vs time (s) and is unique
to its reaction, significant to the temperature the reaction took place at.
rate = k[X]n[Y]n

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 47
Using the previous example where k was found, the rate law can be used to
determine the rate of reaction by substituting the concentrations of substances X and Y
and order of reaction for m and n.
rate = k[X]m[Y]n
rate = k[CV]m[NaOH]n
rate = 0.06335 [2.5*10-5]1[0.02]1
Figure 3. Example Calculation of the Rate of Reaction
Figure three displays an example using the k solved for in the previous example,
the concentrations of the crystal violet and sodium hydroxide are that of the experiment,
and the order of reaction was determined in lab settings.

Appendix C: LabQuest Setup

LabQuest setup is crucial in this experiment, if the data is collected too often, not
often enough, or for not enough time the reaction will not be properly represented.
Procedure:
1.

Plug LabQuest into the wall to assure it will not die.

2. Insert the colorimeter cord to begin heating it up.
3. Insert a flash drive and/or connect the LabQuest to a laptop or computer to ensure
security of the data.
4. Go to time settings.
5. Set data collection duration to 900 seconds.
6. Set data collection to every 20 seconds.

Lifshay-Nona-Speed 48

7. Click collect to start the data collection when ready.

Above displays the procedure to set up the LabQuest for appropriate data
collection, the duration of the reaction should be about 900 seconds or 15 minutes. Each
data point should be collected every 20 seconds; resulting in 45 data points.

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