How to Build an Alka-seltzer Popper

An alka-seltzer popper is a simple device that uses the chemical reaction between alka-seltzer and water to blow the lid off a film canister. I learned how to do it at a summer camp when I was six, so its pretty safe and can entertain little kids for a while or be used to teach a science class about chemical reactions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Alka-Seltzer
• water
• empty film canister

1. Take the empty film canister and fill it 1/3 to 1/2 way full of water.

2. Break an alka seltzer tablet in half and drop it into the film canister, the alka seltzer should begin to fizz.

3. Quickly put the lid on the canister and seal it tightly to prevent gas leakage. If its not airtight, it wont work.

4. Step back. After a few moments, the lid should pop off of the canister and fly 5 to 10 feet in the air. Test the effects of using less or more water or alka seltzer

Tips & Warnings

• There is a chance that the canister may tip over when the lid pops off and spill it's fizzy contents. Do this outside or on tile, just clean up the tile afterward so no one slips.
• The lid may actually fly farther than 10 feet.
• The only way this could hurt someone is if they are standing right over it and the cap strikes them in their eye. But the cap does not have enough power to put out an eye.

[kristara]

on 6/8/2009 That's cool! My kids would love this. Safer alternative to fireworks for the 4th of July