EFFECTS OF SULFURIC ACID (H2SO4) AND NITRIC ACID (HNO3) ON CARBON DIOXIDE RELEASED FROM CALCIUM CARBONATE (CaCO3)
The purpose of the experiment was to determine whether the reactions between sulfuric acid and nitric acid have an effect on the carbon dioxide released from calcium carbonate. Three concentrations (10-2 M, 10-3 M, and 10-4 M) each of sulfuric acid, H2SO4, and nitric acid, HNO3, were tested on calcium carbonate, CaCO3, samples in a closed container. The carbon dioxide levels were monitored and recorded at the beginning and end of each trial to find change in carbon dioxide, CO2. An ANOVA statistical test was conducted on the data, verifying that a significant difference in the increases of carbon dioxide for each of the six concentrations used exists. The original hypothesis, that the 0.01M sulfuric acid would produce the greatest amount of carbon dioxide increase, was rejected. The results of the experiment showed that the 10-2 M nitric acid correlated to the greatest increase while the 10-3 M and 10-4 M sulfuric and nitric acid trials produced relatively small increases. The effects of acid on calcium carbonate has specific relevance to studies of the long term effects of air pollutants and the effects of acid rain on naturally occurring calcium carbonate, or limestone. If the pH of acid rain decreases, the carbon dioxide levels in the air could escalate to harmful levels, leading to more trapped heat from the earth in the atmosphere and eventually, an increase in global temperature.
Research Done By:
Dona Chan
Cousino High School
Steven Mazur
Cousino High School
Warren Consolidated Schools