Reaction in a Bag - s

How much does air weigh? This is a fun demonstration that seems simple but is full of interesting information. Try it out and make notes of all the details that your senses can perceive. Can you explain them all?

Materials

sodium bicarbonate

(baking soda)

vinegar

small containers

sealable, clear plastic

bags

balance, if available

Procedures

At the heart of this experiment is the chemical reaction of common baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar. Do you know what is released when you mix common baking soda and vinegar?

1 Place small containers of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar into a sealable plastic bag. Seal the bag with as little air in it as possible.

2 Weigh the bag with its contents and record your results. (Write answers in your journal)

Weight_______

3 Make a prediction about what will happen to the two ingredients and to the bag when you mix the sodium bicarbonate and vinegar. What do you think will happen to the weight?

4 Mix the sodium bicarbonate and vinegar inside the sealed bag.

5 What happens? Weigh the bag again.

6 Open the bag and then reseal it with as little air in it as possible. Weigh the bag a final time.

Weight

Does the weight change?

Were the results as you expected?

Can you explain all of your results?

What questions do you have?