Question

a researcher is designing a laboratory experiment to determine whether the inorganic substance a affects the rate of a reaction between two colored liquids, x and y. when the reaction is complete, the liquid is clear. the reaction between x and y is similar to one used by manufacturers to produce certain chemicals in factories. which method would best answer his question about reaction rate and what will he find out about substance a?
first, he should measure the final temperature of the liquid when x and y react without substance a. then, he should measure the final temperature when he adds substance a to x and y. he will find out if substance a is a catalyst.
first, he should measure how long it takes for the liquid to become clear if x and y are mixed together. then, he should measure how long it takes if he also adds substance a to x and y. he will find out if substance a is a catalyst.
first, he should measure the final temperature of the liquid when x and y react without substance a. then, he should measure the final temperature when he adds substance a to x and y. he will find out if substance a is an enzyme.
first, he should measure how long it takes for the liquid to become clear if x and y are mixed together. then, he should measure how long it takes if he also adds substance a to x and y. he will find out if substance a is an enzyme.

Explanation:

To determine the effect of substance A on the reaction rate between X and Y (where the reaction completion is indicated by the liquid becoming clear), we need to measure the time taken for the liquid to clear with and without substance A. A catalyst (inorganic, as substance A is inorganic) speeds up reaction rate, so comparing the time (shorter time with A would mean it's a catalyst). Enzymes are organic, so options involving enzymes are incorrect. Measuring temperature doesn't directly measure reaction rate (time to clear does). So the correct method is measuring time to clear with and without A to check if A is a catalyst.

Answer:

B. First, he should measure how long it takes for the liquid to become clear if X and Y are mixed together. Then, he should measure how long it takes if he also adds substance A to X and Y. He will find out if substance A is a catalyst.