Household Substances that Produce a Chemical Reaction:
- Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) + Vinegar (Acetic Acid)
- Hydrogen Peroxide + Yeast
- Milk + Vinegar (making casein)
Experiment: Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction
Objective: To observe the reaction between baking soda and vinegar, identify the products formed, and demonstrate the conservation of mass.
Materials:
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- White vinegar (acetic acid)
- A small container (like a cup)
- A larger container to catch overflow (to demonstrate the reaction)
- A balance for measuring mass
- Measuring spoons
- A stirring stick or spoon
- A balloon (optional, to capture gas)
Procedure:
-
Measure and Record Mass:
- Measure the mass of the empty small container using the balance. Record this mass.
- Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the small container. Measure and record the mass.
- Now weigh the small container with baking soda and record this total mass.
-
Add Vinegar:
- In the larger container, measure 1 cup of vinegar.
- Pour the vinegar into the small container with the baking soda and quickly move it to the larger container to catch any overflow.
- Observe and record any physical changes during the reaction, such as fizzing and bubbling, which indicates a reaction is occurring.
-
Capture Gas (optional):
- If using a balloon, put it over the mouth of the small container before adding the vinegar. This captures the carbon dioxide gas produced.
-
Let the Reaction Complete:
- Allow the reaction to finish (bubbling will subside).
-
Measure and Record Final Mass:
- After the reaction has completed, weigh the small container again (it will be empty if you captured the gas with a balloon).
- Weigh the larger container that captures any overflow (which would include water and dissolved substances from the reaction).
Data Recording:
- Initial Mass of Small Container: ___ grams
- Mass of Baking Soda Added: ___ grams
- Total Initial Mass (small container + baking soda): ___ grams
- Mass of Vinegar Added (1 cup): ___ grams
- Total Initial Mass Before Reaction (small container + baking soda + vinegar): ___ grams
- Mass of Small Container After Reaction: ___ grams (should be negligible if empty)
- Mass of Large Container After Reaction: ___ grams
- Total Mass After Reaction (large container + contents): ___ grams
Observations:
- Physical Changes: Fizzing, bubbling, formation of carbon dioxide gas, temperature change (if applicable).
- Color Changes: (If any).
Discussion of New Substances Formed:
- Products Identified: The reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate. The observable fizzing indicates the release of carbon dioxide gas.
Conservation of Mass Verification:
- To demonstrate that mass was conserved, compare the total mass before the reaction to the total mass after the reaction. It should be observed that:
Initial Total Mass = Final Total Mass
This shows that mass was conserved during the chemical reaction, as no mass was lost despite the gas escaping into the environment.
Conclusion:
This experiment provides evidence of a chemical reaction by observing gas release (fizzing), and the change in mass supports the principle of conservation of mass. The potential formation of new substances (sodium acetate and water) is indicated by the reaction components' combination and observable changes.