The Effects of Percent Concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide, Type of Catalyst, and Amount of Catalyst Solution on Chemiluminescence
In this experiment the objective was to determine if the percent concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide, type of catalyst, and amount of catalyst solution had an effect on the intensity of light produced in a chemiluminescent reaction. Aqueous solutions of Iron (III) Nitrate (Fe(NO3)3), Nickel (II) Nitrate (Ni(NO3)2), and Copper (II) Nitrate (Cu(NO3)2) were used as catalysts in the reaction. The appropriate solution was measured into a beaker and placed onto a stir plate inside a dark box. A Luminol solution and Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) solution were injected into the beaker within the dark box via two syringes and rubber tubes that led into the beaker of catalyst. A light meter positioned inside the dark box measured the intensity of the light produced in the chemiluminescent reaction in lux. A three-factor Design of Experiment was used to analyze the data. It was hypothesized that the highest values of the factors would produce the most intense light in the reaction. However, this hypothesis was rejected upon discovery that the lowest percent composition of Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) and the lowest amount of the highest catalyst solution (20 mL of Cu(NO3)2) in fact produced the most intense light. After careful analysis of the data, it was determined that none of the variables had a significant effect on the amount of light produced.
Research Done By:
Christine Hirzel
Lakeview High School
Alex Lane
Lake Shore High School
Warren Consolidated Schools