How to Do a Controlled Vinegar & Baking Soda Reaction
If you've ever participated in an elementary or middle school science fair, you probably came across that one kid who had the cool volcano project -- you know, the one that actually erupted. If you wondered how he created something so real, chances are that he used a baking soda and vinegar solution to cause the reaction. When an acid (vinegar) mixes with a base (baking soda), it causes a foamy eruption. So, go plunder a little in your kitchen pantry and give this project a try.
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Instructions
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Build a Makeshift Volcano
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Run hot water to rinse out the bottle. Any additional substances still inside the bottle could compromise the vinegar solution. Dry the inside of the bottle well, ensuring there is no liquid at all inside, by letting it sit upside-down in a dish drainer or outside in the sun.
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Take the bottle outside and build a "volcano" if you want to be creative. Pile some handfuls of dirt around the bottle to make it look real. If you are just ready to see the reaction, put a little bit of dirt or rocks around the bottle to hold it still.
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Dump the 1/4 cup baking soda into the bottle. When you are ready to see the eruption, slowly pour the vinegar into the bottle. The vinegar will mix with the baking soda causing it to foam. The pressure from the narrow bottle opening will cause the solution to spew. The more baking soda you have in the bottle, the longer the reaction will last.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure you either wear eye-safety glasses or step away from the vinegar mixture. Injury could be caused if the solution gets into your eyes.
- Photo Credit eruption volcanique image by Thierry Hoarau from Fotolia.com
