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 reaction rate, time for the reaction (liquid to clear) is measured. A catalyst speeds up reaction rate (shortens time). Measuring time with and without A tests this. Enzymes are biological catalysts, but A is inorganic, so it can't be an enzyme. Measuring temperature doesn't directly measure reaction rate, so options with temperature are incorrect.

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.