GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Utilizing the chemical change that takes place between baking soda and vinegar you can have a lot of fun making your own science poppers.
You will need:
Baking soda, vinegar, water, toilet paper, containers with removable tops (such as film canisters or m&m tubes).
Now try this:
- Wear safety glasses.
- Place a small amount (1/4 teaspoon) of baking soda into a piece of toilet paper and wrap into a small ball.
- Fill the container about half way with vinegar (~10 mL)
- Quickly drop the toilet paper into the container and place the top on.
- Stand back and in less then 10 seconds? POP!!!
Explanation:
When you combine baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with vinegar (acetic acid) a chemical reaction takes place. This is evident by the bubbling that you see. This bubbling is a gas that is released called carbon dioxide. Attempting to trap this gas inside a container results in a build up of pressure. After enough pressure builds up, the top pops off! This is great fun.
Courtesy: Chemical Kim a.k.a. Professor Kim. Chemistry Professor/Florida SouthWestern State College.
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