Cambridge Secondary (7-9). Stage 9. Science. Learner's Book - Unit 8: Rates of reaction - Question 79

Imagine that you are manufacturing carbon dioxide gas to sell to the drinks industry. Carbon dioxide puts the ‘fizz’ into soda; the aim is to make as much soda as possible. Use marble chips and hydrochloric acid to produce carbon dioxide. You have a budget of 20 dollars and must pay for each item. You can sell each test tube of carbon dioxide for 5 dollars; the gas will be tested to check that it really is carbon dioxide. You have a fixed time to make your product. In your group, decide how much equipment to buy, using the price list. You can use sales income to buy more chemicals, test tubes and bungs. Produce a report explaining how you carried out the task, your profit and how you could improve carbon dioxide production. Consider your purchases and prices, sales, practical difficulties that reduced profit and how you overcame them, and your risk assessment and precautions.

| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Test tube | 50 cents |
| Rubber bung | 50 cents |
| Boiling tube | 1 dollar |
| Bung with delivery tube | 1 dollar |
| Plastic bowl | 1 dollar |
| 5 g marble chips | 1 dollar |
| 10 cm³ hydrochloric acid | 5 dollars |
| Hire pestle and mortar | 1 dollar |
| Heating apparatus | 1 dollar |
| Safety glasses | 1 dollar |