Iodine Clock Reaction: Effect of Concentration, Temperature, and a Catalyst on Reaction Rate -
Chemical Demonstration Kit

Mix two colorless solutions and watch as, after a few seconds, they suddenly change from colorless to dark blue. What an attention-getter! This kit allows you to quantitatively demonstrate the popular iodine-starch clock reaction. In each demonstration, the class records six sets of data comparing the effects of concentration, temperature, and a catalyst on the measured rate. Students become actively involved by counting the number of seconds from the initial mixing of the solutions to the appearance of the blue color. Explore concepts of kinetics with this dramatic, engaging demonstration! Teacher Demonstration Notes included.

Concepts: Kinetics, catalysts, clock reactions.
Time Required: 25 minutes
Chemicals Provided: Potassium iodate solution, sodium meta-bisulfite, starch solution, and sulfuric acid solution.