Most everyone knows that baking soda and vinegar are a great combination if you want to see a dramatic chemical reaction. But, there are a plethora of different ways you can use baking soda to get a new take on the classic. Each of these experiments can be performed at home (though some may require adult supervision).
Check out these fun ways you can use baking soda to make a new reaction.
1. Baking soda powered boat (h/t Science Sparks)
The reaction between the acid and alkali create carbon dioxide. When the gas is produced quickly, it can propel light objects, which is precisely what happens in this experiment. Make sure to cover all hole in your bottle for a more dramatic reaction.
The reaction between the acid and alkali create carbon dioxide. When the gas is produced quickly, it can propel light objects, which is precisely what happens in this experiment. Make sure to cover all hole in your bottle for a more dramatic reaction.
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2. Fake snow
Snow is pretty. But, it's a seasonal enjoyment (and only if you are lucky enough to live somewhere the winters get cold). With this fun baking soda experiment, you can create your own snow. The moisture in the shaving cream, combined with the small particles of baking soda create a snow-like texture.
Snow is pretty. But, it's a seasonal enjoyment (and only if you are lucky enough to live somewhere the winters get cold). With this fun baking soda experiment, you can create your own snow. The moisture in the shaving cream, combined with the small particles of baking soda create a snow-like texture.
3. Build a bottle rocket
The classic vinegar and baking soda combination work here to launch a bottle straight into the air. The key here is to create the right amount of pressure inside and outside of the container, so make sure to adjust the cork in your bottle to ensure it's not too tight.
The classic vinegar and baking soda combination work here to launch a bottle straight into the air. The key here is to create the right amount of pressure inside and outside of the container, so make sure to adjust the cork in your bottle to ensure it's not too tight.
4. Inflate a balloon with vinegar and baking soda (h/t Coupons are Great)
As mentioned in the other activities, baking soda and vinegar combine to create carbon dioxide. While this chemical reaction, combined with pressure, can cause movement, it's worth getting a visual of the response in another way. By using a balloon to capture the released gas, you can see just how dramatic the chemical reaction is.
As mentioned in the other activities, baking soda and vinegar combine to create carbon dioxide. While this chemical reaction, combined with pressure, can cause movement, it's worth getting a visual of the response in another way. By using a balloon to capture the released gas, you can see just how dramatic the chemical reaction is.
5. Make a volcano (h/t Happy Brown House)
In this classic experiment, beloved my elementary school students everywhere, you can create your own lava flow with baking soda and vinegar. The best way to get the red color is to add the vinegar and food coloring into a cup and then add the baking soda last.
In this classic experiment, beloved my elementary school students everywhere, you can create your own lava flow with baking soda and vinegar. The best way to get the red color is to add the vinegar and food coloring into a cup and then add the baking soda last.
6. Soda snake firework
This one takes a bit of time, but the result is pretty stunning. The resulting snake happens when the fire (fueled by alcohol) breaks the baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) into sodium carbonate, water vapor, and carbon dioxide. The heat helps turn the resulting reaction into a caramelized sugar. Make sure to wear gloves and goggles for protection if you try this yourself.
This one takes a bit of time, but the result is pretty stunning. The resulting snake happens when the fire (fueled by alcohol) breaks the baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) into sodium carbonate, water vapor, and carbon dioxide. The heat helps turn the resulting reaction into a caramelized sugar. Make sure to wear gloves and goggles for protection if you try this yourself.
7. Create dancing rice (h/t Buggy and Buddy)
This fun visual slows down the reaction of vinegar and baking soda and allows you to see how the air bubbles created by the vinegar and baking soda reduce the density of the rice so that it begins to dance and float in the water.
This fun visual slows down the reaction of vinegar and baking soda and allows you to see how the air bubbles created by the vinegar and baking soda reduce the density of the rice so that it begins to dance and float in the water.
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