Riley Baird (Year 10

Water temperature and its effect on dissolution

Riley Baird (Year 10) The Illawarra Grammar School, 10/12 Western Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2500

Discussion

This investigation, which aimed to determine the effect of water temperature on the rate of reaction of Berocca, found that as water temperature increased, the time taken for the Berocca to dissolve decreased. In other words, as the temperature of the water increased, the time taken for the Berocca to dissolve became less. A plot of the two variables showed a clear negative relationship and a line of best fit through the data suggested an overall linear trend. Therefore, the result supported the initial hypothesis. All effervescent multivitamin tablets are designed for one main purpose: to help reduce tiredness and fatigue which can help you wake up in the morning and help to provide an energy high throughout the day. Berocca's work by being a specially formulated combination of high-dose B complex vitamins plus vitamin C and essential minerals, calcium, magnesium and zinc, which work to support your mental sharpness and physical energy throughout the day. (Berocca –frequently asked questions 2019) supports everyday energy release. Helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. The clinically tested formula of 12 essential vitamins and minerals including all the B complex vitamins. Berocca helps to unlock energy from your food so you can be at your best. . The higher the temperature, the faster the molecules move—and the more likely it is that the bicarbonate will contact hydrogen in just the right way for the chemical reaction to occur and produce carbon dioxide bubbles as seen in (figure 1). Figure 1: The Berocca tablet dissolving in water at tap temperature) (Science Buddies 2013).

The results found in this investigation are considered reliable as the results collected were consistent when repeated this is seen when the time for the boiling water was 33.82, 33.82, 33.82 and 36.78 seconds whereas the iced water it took anywhere from 4:00.64 to 4:53.83 minutes which was also seen in table 1. Table 1, shows the rough times that it took for the Berocca to dissolve) and are consistent with secondary sources of information. (Science Buddies 2013) The results were valid, variables such as room temperature were controlled by conducting the experiment inside on the same day at the same time and ensuring there was an equal amount of water in the cups to control the amount of water the Berocca could make contact with. The aim was able to be answered as the water temperature was changed in tests and the time of rate of reaction was measured. However, the accuracy of ensuring time could be improved

as it was difficult to time exactly the moment the Berocca stopped dissolving. although the amount of water in each cup was as close as it could have been better as a measuring jug was used to measure the water, not a measuring cylinder meaning it was not 100% accurate. Two things could be done to improve the experiment. One could use a video camera which could be slowed down to measure accurately the time when the Berocca finishes dissolving. The original size of the Berocca should also be kept the same although this was kept almost completely the same because a full tablet was used there still could have been variations to the tablets. The size of the tablet could be controlled by measuring the weight of the tablet to standardise the same size. The change of size of the tablet was not investigated here but would be worthwhile for further investigation to see if the size of the tablet affects the rate of reaction.

Conclusion

The aim of this experiment was to determine if the temperature of water affects the speed it takes for a Berocca to dissolve and it was hypothesised that the hotter the water the quicker the Berocca would dissolve. When the data were plotted, a clear negative linear relationship was apparent; as water temperature increased, the speed to dissolve decreased due to an increase in particle movement in the water, supporting the hypothesis. As discussed, the accuracy of the findings could have been improved with a better method of timing when the tablet stopped dissolving. Nevertheless, the findings in this investigation are helpful for people who drink Berocca that are trying to find the quickest way to dissolve and drink their Berocca in the morning when in a rush.

References

Are multivitamins different for men and women? | Berocca 2021, Berocca, viewed 4 August 2022, <https://www.berocca.co.uk/theenergy-blog/are-multivitamins-differentmen-and-women>. Berocca – frequently asked questions 2019, Berocca Australia, viewed 4 August 2022, <https://www.berocca.com.au/faq#:~:t ext=there%20in%20Berocca%3F,How%20does%20Berocca%20work% 3F,physical%20energy%20throughout %20the%20day.>. Berocca helps your body release energy from food so you can beat fatigue and stay sharp! 2019, Berocca Performance Original Berry Effervescent Tablets, viewed 4 August 2022, <https://www.berocca.com.au/product s/performance/berocca-performanceoriginal-berry-effervescent-tablets>. Key, JA 2014, Factors that Affect the Rate of Reactions, Opentextbc.ca, BCcampus, viewed 4 August 2022, <https://opentextbc.ca/introductorych emistry/chapter/factors-that-affect-therate-ofreactions/#:~:text=An%20increase%2 0in%20temperature%20typically,for% 20an%20effective%20collision%20(Fig ure.>. Martin, S 2022, Does Berocca Actually Work? Or Is It A Waste Of Your Money?, Grazia, Grazia, viewed 4 August 2022, <https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/reallife/berocca-actually-work-wastemoney/>. Science Buddies 2013, Carbonation Countdown: The Effect of Temperature of Reaction Time, Scientific American, viewed 4 August 2022, <https://www.scientificamerican.com/ article/bring-science-home-carbonationtime/>.