Practical

Rates of reaction | practical videos | 14–16 years

By and

Rates of reaction equipment showing a man looking at a measuring cylinder, with a beaker to one side and a bottle of distilled water to the other. There is a colourful border around the edge of the image

Source: © Royal Society of Chemistry

Video and resources showing how the concentration of sodium thiosulfate solution affects its rate of reaction with hydrochloric acid

Investigate rates of reaction (observing a colour change) with GCSE, Junior Cycle and National 5 learners using this practical video, using this video, including a step-by-step method, calculation support for learners and evaluation. Download the supporting resources including teacher and technician notes, worksheets, answers, integrated instructions and more. Watch the video and download the resources to prepare for and complement live practical work, as well as for flipped learning and revision. 

The practical tasks learners to observe and compare the time it takes for a precipitate to form when they react different concentrations of sodium thiosulfate solution with hydrochloric acid. The video introduces the equipment and technique, with real-world applications to provide context. Plus, review key terms such as rectants, products, chemical change and collision theory. Learners will also develop several working scientifically skills and mathematical skills, including identifying and controlling variables and drawing graphs. 

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Sign in to your Teach Chemistry account to view this content

If you’re not signed up, registration is free and open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.  

Get all this, plus much more: 

  • unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
  • teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
  • applications for funding to support your lessons

Set up your Teach Chemistry account

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not a science teacher or technician based in the UK or Ireland? Don’t worry – you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.