Baking Soda Volcano

Well, we didn't really construct the volcano but it was fun all the same! Surely everyone has heard about this experiment right? No? Well, this will shed a little light.

MATERIALS & APPARATUS

~Test tube rack
~Test tube
~Sodium Bicarbonate
~Vinegar

PROCEDURE

1. Sodium bicarbonate is put into the test tube.
2. Vinegar is poured into a beaker.
3. Fill the test tube of sodium bicarbonate with vinegar.
4. Watch as the insides of the test tube begin to foam!
5. Want more action? Close the test tube with your thumb and shake it. Let go and the insides come spurting out!

Note: You might want to do this over a sink because it can get pretty messy.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

This project shows what happens when an acid (vinegar) and a base (baking soda) interact. Chemically, the acid and base neutralize each other, producing carbon dioxide gas as a byproduct. The exact reaction is:

HC2H3O2 (vinegar = acetic acid) + NaHCO3 (baking soda = sodium bicarbonate) = CO2 (carbon dioxide gas) + NaC2H3O2(sodium acetate) + H2O (water)

So, go on try this at home. Who knew chemistry could be so much fun?