Exothermic Reaction Lab

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INVESTIGATING THE BEST SALT COMPOUND TO USE FOR A COLD PACK
An endothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that absorbs heat into its environment. The energy is usually transferred as heat energy, causing its surroundings to get colder. The opposite to an endothermic reaction is an exothermic reaction. An exothermic reaction releases cold energy which absorbs heat energy. As a result of this, the surroundings distinctively become hotter. In this experiment an exothermic reaction takes place.

The cold packs that are available for purchase in shopping centers use ammonium nitrate (N₂H₄O₃), calcium ammonium nitrate and urea. These chemicals together, help to form the endothermic reaction after the inner bag of water is broken inside.

These …show more content…

Sparkvue: Sparkvue is a program that records the temperature of the water as you mix it inside of the test tube.
Cold Pack: A cold pack is an ice pack that you apply to your skin that relieves swelling and pain.
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Aim
To investigate the best salt compound to use for a cold pack.

Hypothesis:
If the sodium thiosulfate is endothermic and stays the same way, then that compound would be the best to use for a cold pack because it stays cooler for longer.

Independent Variable:
The independent variable is the salts that was used in the experiment, sodium thiosulfate and citric acid. This is because the scientist is changing the the different salts every trial.

Controlled Variable:
The controlled variable that always stayed the same throughout the experiment was the amount of time the salts were being mixed for. Another controlled variable was the weight of the salt being added to the water, and the quantity of water the salt was being added into.

Dependent …show more content…

It is evident in this diagram that in the first minute the sodium thiosulfate drops in temperature dramatically. The citric acid doesn’t show as dramatic results as the sodium thiosulfate does. In all 3 graphs the results are consistent and remains the same for all, which shows that sodium thiosulfate is the best salt compound to use for a cold pack.

These results will help scientists in the future to create cold packs that will stay colder for longer. It will educate people all over the world in letting them know what the most effective cold pack is and will also help people treat their injuries if need be.

Conclusion:
Based on the results acquired in the experiments, it would be best to use sodium thiosulfate for a cold pack. The best type of cold pack to use would be an instant pack. These cold packs allow the user to squeeze it and immediately, as a result of this the cold pack will get

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