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Material:Here's how it is done:1) Get a film canister - the translucent ones with the indented lids seem to work the best. 2) Place 1 Alka Seltzer in the bottom of the container. 3) Hold the canister with the lid most of the way on - leaving room to insert the eye dropper. 4) Using a Barrel Micro Pipette squirt about one bulb full of water into the canister. 5) Quickly seal the cap - set on a table and move away!! |
Future Quicktime Movie and photos of the demo to go here! |
Purpose:To explore a simple acid / base chemical reaction in a fun and exciting manner |
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What is going on??Background Information and Terminology:Acid - A chemical that when put with water releases a hydrogen ion (H+). Acids are also a chemical compound that joins with a base to make a salt. Edible acids give food a tangy or sour taste. Many acids should not be eaten or even touched because they cause burns.
Base or Alkali - A chemical that when put with water releases a hydroxide ion (OH-). Bases form chemical compounds that join with acids to make a salt. Edible bases give food a slightly bitter taste and may be slimy. Many bases are too strong to eat and can cause burns.
pH scale - A scale from 0 -14 reflecting the concentration of hydrogen ions in solution. A solution that has the same number of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) is neutral and has a pH of 7. Pure water has a pH of 7. A solution having more H+ than OH- ions is acidic and has a pH less than 7 or a low pH. A solution that has more OH- than H+ ions is basic (or alkaline) and has a pH of greater than 7 or a high pH.
Chemical Reaction - Is basically defined by two substances coming together to form a new substance. The kinds of reactions are generally classified as exothermic (producing heat) and endothermic (absorbing heat).
** The Alka Seltzer reaction is technically an exothermic reaction, but because of the production and dissipation of the CO2 gas the reaction gets colder - a tricky one!!
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