Evidence that a reaction took place:
- Bubbles were observed forming on the steel wool
- The steel wool changed color from silver to black
- The water level in the dish decreased and the water level in the jar increased
The water moved from the outer dish into the jar because of a chemical reaction between the steel wool and the vinegar. The steel wool acted as a catalyst, causing the vinegar to break down into carbon dioxide and water. The carbon dioxide gas was released into the air, while the water was absorbed by the steel wool and moved into the jar.
The appearance of the steel wool changed from silver to black due to the reaction between the steel wool and the vinegar. The vinegar reacted with the iron in the steel wool, forming iron oxide (rust) which is black in color.
What evidence was there that a reaction took place? What did you observe during the reaction? How did the water level change in the dish? Hint: the water level in the dish decreased and the water level in the jar increased. Why did the water move from the outer dish into the jar? How did the appearance of the steel wool change?
1 answer