Download LESSON 23: Exploding Bags

LESSON 23: Exploding Bags
ESTIMATED TIME Setup: 5 minutes | Procedure: 5 minutes
• DESCRIPTION
• MATERIALS
Combine vinegar and baking soda within a plastic
bag to initiate a chemical reaction.
• OBJECTIVE
This lesson demonstrates the formation of products
from reactants during a chemical reaction. Students
use two common household materials to observe how
a chemical reaction produces new substances. The
lesson can be extended to cover acids and bases.
• CONTENT TOPICS
Scientific inquiry; properties of matter; chemical
reactions; acids and bases; energy
o Vinegar
Baking soda
o Water
o Plastic bag (zipper lock, quart size)
o Toilet paper
o Measuring cups
o Spoons
o
Always remember to use the appropriate safety
equipment when conducting your experiment.
Refer to the Safety First section in the Resource Guide
on pages 421–423 for more detailed information about
safety in the classroom.
Jump ahead to page 286 to view the
Experimental Procedure.
NATIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATION STANDARDS SUBJECT MATTER
This lesson applies both Dimension 1: Scientific and Engineering Practices and Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts
from “A Framework for K–12 Science Education,” established as a guide for the updated National Science Education
Standards. In addition, this lesson covers the following Disciplinary Core Ideas from that framework:
• PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
• PS1.B: Chemical Reactions
• ETS2.B: Influence of Engineering, Technology, and Science on Society and the Natural World
(see Analysis & Conclusion)
OBSERVATION & RESEARCH
BACKGROUND
Scientists sort matter by its physical and chemical
properties. We use our senses or take measurements to
identify physical properties. Some examples of physical
properties are color, shape, boiling point, melting point,
and density. Chemical properties can be identified by
observing how a chemical reacts with other substances.
Some examples of chemical properties include acidity,
toxicity, and flammability. During the experiment,
students can observe the different physical (and
chemical) properties of the substances.
When the vinegar and baking soda are combined, a
change occurs. Matter often changes, and these changes
can be either physical or chemical. A physical change is
any change in a substance’s form that does not change its
chemical makeup. The chemical formula of the substance
stays the same before and after the change. A chemical
change or chemical reaction is a change that takes place
when atoms of a substance are rearranged, and the bonds
between the atoms are broken or formed. During a
chemical reaction, the structure or composition of the
materials changes. Chemical reactions occur around us
all the time. They even take place inside of our bodies.
When we breathe, we take in oxygen from the air,
which combines with glucose (a sugar) in our bodies.
These substances react to produce carbon dioxide and
water vapor, which we exhale.
You Be TheLESSON
Chemist®Activity
Activity
Guide
Guides
| page 283
1:
Goofy
Putty
283
LESSON 23: Exploding Bags
When a chemical reaction is complete, the resulting
substance(s) is/are different from the original
substance(s). The substance or substances that start a
chemical reaction are called reactants. The new
substance(s) that are produced as a result of the reaction
are called products.
In this experiment, adding baking soda to vinegar starts
a chemical reaction. The reaction produces sodium
acetate and carbonic acid. The carbonic acid is unstable
and instantly falls apart into carbon dioxide and water.
The rapidly forming bubbles that appear during the
reaction are carbon dioxide gas escaping from the
mixture. Because the mixture is sealed within a bag,
pressure created from the rapidly forming gas will
cause the bag to burst.
FORMULAS & EQUATIONS
Vinegar is a mixture made up of very dilute acetic acid.
Therefore, vinegar contains acetic acid and water.
The chemical formula for acetic acid is C2H4O2.
The chemical formula for pure water is H2O.
CONNECT TO THE YOU BE THE
CHEMIST CHALLENGE
For additional background information, please
review CEF’s Challenge study materials online at
http://www.chemed.org/ybtc/challenge/study.aspx.
• Additional information on physical and chemical
properties and changes can be found in the
Classification of Matter section of CEF’s Passport
to Science Exploration: The Core of Chemistry.
• Additional information on chemical reactions can
be found in the Chemical Reactions section of
CEF’s Passport to Science Exploration:
Chemistry Connections.
HYPOTHESIS
uWhen baking soda and vinegar are
combined in a sealed plastic bag, a
chemical reaction will occur, releasing carbon
dioxide gas and causing the bag to pop open.
The chemical name of baking soda is sodium
bicarbonate. It is commonly used in baking, hence its
name.
The chemical formula for baking soda is NaHCO3.
When vinegar and baking soda are combined, an acid-base
reaction occurs between the acetic acid and baking soda.
CH3COOH + NaHCO3 g CH3COONa + H2CO3
This reaction produces sodium acetate (CH3COONa or
NaCH3CO2) and carbonic acid (H2CO3).
Fun Fact
Dry ice easily sublimates directly
The carbonic acid is unstable and quickly decomposes
into carbon dioxide gas (CO2) and water (H2O).
into carbon dioxide gas at
standard temperature and
H2CO3 g H2O + CO2
pressure.
The carbon dioxide gas forms bubbles that can be seen
as the reaction takes place.
You Be The Chemist® Activity Guide | page 284
LESSON 23: Exploding Bags
DIFFERENTIATION IN THE CLASSROOM
LOWER GRADE LEVELS/BEGINNERS
Conduct the experiment as described on page 286, but
focus the lesson on classifying matter. Discuss physical
properties in more detail and the different uses of different
substances.
Another option is to spend more time on the differences
between physical and chemical changes. For example,
show a picture of a pencil. Then show a picture of the
pencil broken—that’s a physical change. Next, show a
picture of cake batter and then a baked cake—that’s a
chemical change!
HIGHER GRADE LEVELS/ADVANCED STUDENTS
DESCRIPTION
Combine vinegar (an acid) and baking soda (a base)
within a plastic bag to initiate a chemical reaction.
OBJECTIVE
This lesson demonstrates the formation of products from
reactants during a chemical reaction. Students explore
acids and bases and use two common household
substances to observe a chemical reaction.
OBSERVATION & RESEARCH
To describe certain chemical compounds, chemists use
the terms “acid” and “base.” You can determine whether
a solution is an acid or a base by determining the
concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the solution.
An ion is an atom or molecule that has lost or gained one
or more of its outer electrons. Therefore, the total number
of electrons is not equal to the total number of protons,
so an ion will have either a negative or a positive electric
charge.
In general, a solution that contains a concentration of
hydrogen ions (H+) greater than the concentration in pure
water is called an acid. Likewise, a solution containing an
excess of hydroxide ions (OH-) or an H+ concentration
less than that of pure water is called a base. Solutions
containing an H+ concentration equal to that of pure
water are neutral.
Acids, bases, and all types of matter can undergo
different changes. A chemical change or chemical
reaction is a change that takes place when atoms of a
substance are rearranged, and the bonds between the
atoms are broken or formed. During a chemical reaction,
the structure or composition of the materials change.
Chemical reactions occur around us all the time.
When a chemical change is complete, the resulting
substance(s) is/are different from the original
substance(s). The substance or substances that start a
chemical reaction are called reactants. The new
substance(s) that are produced as a result of the reaction
are called products.
In this experiment, students work with common household
vinegar and baking soda, which forms a basic solution
when dissolved in water. Adding baking soda to vinegar
starts a chemical reaction that produces sodium acetate and
carbonic acid. The carbonic acid is unstable and instantly
falls apart into carbon dioxide and water. The rapidly
forming bubbles that appear during the reaction are carbon
dioxide gas escaping from the mixture. Pressure created
from the rapidly forming gas will cause the bag to burst.
In addition, the starting temperature is higher than the
ending temperature, so the reaction is considered to be
endothermic. An endothermic change is a change that
needs energy to be added.
CONNECT TO THE YOU BE THE
CHEMIST CHALLENGE
For additional background information, please
s review CEF’s Challenge study materials online at
http://www.chemed.org/ybtc/challenge/study.aspx.
• Additional information on ions can be found in the
Atomic Structure section of CEF’s Passport to
Science Exploration: The Core of Chemistry.
• Additional information on acids and bases can be
found in the Acids, Bases, and pH section of
CEF’s Passport to Science Exploration: Chemistry
Connections.
• Additional information on chemical reactions can
be found in the Chemical Reactions section of
CEF’s Passport to Science Exploration: Chemistry
Connections.
You Be The Chemist® Activity Guide | page 285
LESSON 23: Exploding Bags
EXPERIMENTATION
As the students perform the experiment, challenge them
to identify the independent, dependent, and controlled
variables, as well as whether there is a control setup for
the experiment. (Hint: If the substance added to the
vinegar changes, will the reaction change?) Review the
information in the Scientific Inquiry section on pages
14–16 to discuss variables.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
DATA COLLECTION
Have students record data in their science notebooks or on
the following activity sheet. What is a physical change?
What is a chemical change? What occurs when the vinegar
and baking soda are combined? Have students answer the
questions on the activity sheet (or similar ones of your
own) to guide the process.
NOTES
1. Tear off two squares of toilet paper from a toilet
paper roll.
2. Add a large spoonful of baking soda to the center
of one of the toilet paper squares, and carefully
wrap the toilet paper around it. Wrap the second
toilet paper square around the first.
3. Have one student hold the plastic bag open as
another student adds ¼ cup of vinegar and ¼ cup
of warm water to the bag.
4. Place the wrapped baking soda in the bag, and
quickly seal it. Gently swirl the liquid around so
that it soaks the toilet paper.
5. Place the bag down and watch it inflate and
eventually pop. (If the bag does not pop, allow the
students to gently touch the bag to see if they can
feel a temperature change.)
Protective eyewear should be worn for this
experiment.
This experiment should be conducted outside
or within a sink or large bowl/pan to minimize
the mess.
You Be The Chemist® Activity Guide | page 286
LESSON 23: Exploding Bags
ANALYSIS & CONCLUSION
Use the questions from the activity sheet or your own
questions to discuss the experimental data. Ask students
to determine whether they should accept or reject their
hypotheses. Review the information in the Scientific
Inquiry section on pages 14–16 to discuss valid and
invalid hypotheses.
ASSESSMENT/GOALS
Upon completion of this lesson, students should be able
to …
• Apply a scientific inquiry process and perform an
experiment.
• Define physical and chemical properties and give
examples of each.
• Differentiate between physical and chemical changes.
• Identify the reactants and products of a chemical
reaction.
• Explain the chemical reaction that occurs during the
experiment and what gas is being produced.
• Identify common household acids and bases
(see Differentiation in the Classroom).
MODIFICATIONS/EXTENSIONS
Modifications and extensions provide alternative methods
for performing the lesson or similar lessons. They also
introduce ways to expand on the content topics presented
and think beyond those topics. Use the following
examples, or have a discussion to generate other ideas as
a class.
• Ask the students what they would expect to happen if
the amount of baking soda added to vinegar was
increased. Try testing different amounts of baking
soda, and have the students record the results.
• Add less baking soda to the vinegar, so the bag will
inflate but not pop. Have students touch the inflated
bag. Students should notice that that bag feels colder,
indicating that an endothermic reaction took place.
• Try combining other substances to create a chemical
reaction within the bag. For example, try combining
lemon juice and baking soda or baking powder and
vinegar to see if there is a reaction.
Be sure to research the reaction of different
products and read the safety precautions on
product labels before combining them. Randomly mixing
chemical substances is dangerous.
REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS
• Baking soda and vinegar are known for their
cleaning capabilities. Baking soda can be used to
remove stains on pots, appliances, and clothing. It is
also used as a deodorizer. Diluted vinegar is a
disinfectant and deodorizer that can be used to clean
various surfaces.
Fun Fact
The reaction between baking
soda and vinegar is the reaction
used to create miniature
“volcanoes.”
COMMUNICATION
Discuss the results as a class and review the activity
sheet. Review the information in the Scientific Inquiry
section on pages 14–16 to discuss the importance of
communication to scientific progress.
You Be The Chemist® Activity Guide | page 287
LESSON 23 ACTIVITY SHEET: Exploding Bags
OBSERVE & RESEARCH
1. Write down the materials you observe. ________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Predict how these materials may be used. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Define the following key terms. Then, provide an example of each by writing the example or drawing/pasting an
image of the example.
Term
Definition
Example (write or add image)
Physical property
Chemical property
Physical change
Chemical reaction
Reactant
Product
4. Consider the effects of combining vinegar and baking soda inside a plastic bag and why you expect such results.
uWrite your hypothesis. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
You Be The Chemist® Activity Guide | page 288
LESSON 23 ACTIVITY SHEET: Exploding Bags
PERFORM YOUR EXPERIMENT
1. Tear off two squares of toilet paper from a toilet paper roll.
2. Add a large spoonful of baking soda to the center of one of the toilet paper squares, and carefully wrap the toilet paper
around the baking soda. Wrap the second toilet paper square around the first.
3. Have a partner hold the plastic bag open for you. Add ¼ cup of vinegar and ¼ cup of warm water to the bag.
4. Place the wrapped baking soda in the bag, and quickly seal it. Gently swirl the liquid around so that it soaks the
toilet paper.
5. Place the bag down and observe.
ANALYZE & CONCLUDE
1. Describe the baking soda. ________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Describe the vinegar. ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. What happens when the baking soda and vinegar interact? ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. What gas forms during the chemical reaction? Explain. __________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Is your hypothesis valid? Why or why not? If not, what would be your next steps? ____________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
You Be The Chemist®Activity
ActivityGuides
Guide | page 289
LESSON 23 ACTIVITY SHEET: Exploding Bags
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE—ADVANCED
1. Define the following key terms. Then, provide an example of each by writing the example or drawing/pasting an
image of the example.
Term
Definition
Example (write or add image)
Acid
Base
Neutral
2. The following equation represents the combined chemical reaction that occurred. Label the reactants and the
products.
CH3COOH
+
NaHCO3
g
CH3COONa
+
H2CO3
g
H 2O
+
CO2
3. Give examples of other everyday chemical reactions. __________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
You Be The Chemist® Activity Guide | page 290
LESSON 23 ACTIVITY SHEET: Exploding Bags
ANSWER KEY: Below are suggested answers. Other answers may also be acceptable.
OBSERVE & RESEARCH
Vinegar, baking soda, plastic bags, toilet paper, measuring spoons, spoons …
1. Write down the materials you observe. ________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Vinegar and baking soda may be used in cooking or cleaning. Plastic bags may be used
2. Predict how these materials may be used. ______________________________________________________________
to hold materials. Toilet paper may be used to clean up a mess. These materials may be combined to create a chemical reaction.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Define the following key terms. Then, provide an example of each by writing the example or drawing/pasting an
image of the example.
Term
Definition
Physical property
A property of a substance that can be experienced
using the human senses and often detected
through a measuring device; physical properties
can be observed without reacting the substance
with some other substance.
Chemical property
A property of an object characterized by reactions
that change the object’s identity; describe an
object’s “potential” to undergo some chemical
change or reaction due to its composition.
Physical change
A change that alters the form or appearance of a
substance but does not change the chemical
makeup of the substance or create a new
substance.
Chemical reaction
A change that takes place when atoms of one or
more substances are rearranged, and the bonds
between the atoms are broken or formed to
produce new substances.
Reactant
A starting material for a chemical reaction.
Product
A substance formed as a result of a chemical
reaction.
Example (write or add image)
4. Consider the effects of combining vinegar and baking soda inside a plastic bag and why you expect such results.
When baking soda and vinegar are combined in a sealed plastic bag, a chemical
uWrite your hypothesis. ______________________________________________________________
reaction will occur, releasing carbon dioxide gas and causing the bag to pop open.
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
You Be The Chemist® Activity Guide | page 291
LESSON 23 ACTIVITY SHEET: Exploding Bags
ANSWER KEY: Below are suggested answers. Other answers may also be acceptable.
PERFORM YOUR EXPERIMENT
1. Tear off two squares of toilet paper from a toilet paper roll.
2. Add a large spoonful of baking soda to the center of one of the toilet paper squares, and carefully wrap the toilet paper
around the baking soda. Wrap the second toilet paper square around the first.
3. Have a partner hold the plastic bag open for you. Add ¼ cup of vinegar and ¼ cup of warm water to the bag.
4. Place the wrapped baking soda in the bag, and quickly seal it. Gently swirl the liquid around so that it soaks the
toilet paper.
5. Place the bag down and observe.
ANALYZE & CONCLUDE
The baking soda is a white, dry powder.
1. Describe the baking soda. ________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
The vinegar is translucent.
2. Describe the vinegar. ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
The baking soda and vinegar undergo a chemical reaction, which
3. What happens when the baking soda and vinegar interact? ________________________________________________
releases a gas that produces bubbles. These bubbles form quickly, creating a foamy mass inside the bag.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
One of the initial products of the reaction breaks down further into
4. What gas forms during the chemical reaction? Explain. __________________________________________________
carbon dioxide (CO2) and water. The gas bubbles seen forming inside the bag are made of CO2.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Is your hypothesis valid? Why or why not? If not, what would be your next steps? ____________________________
Answer 1: Valid because the data support my hypothesis.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Answer 2: Invalid because the data do not support my hypothesis. I would reject my hypothesis and could form a new one, such as …
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
You Be The Chemist® Activity Guide | page 292
LESSON 23 ACTIVITY SHEET: Exploding Bags
ANSWER KEY: Below are suggested answers. Other answers may also be acceptable.
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE—ADVANCED
Have students complete this section if you used the advanced differentiation information, or challenge them to find the answers to these
questions at home and discuss how these terms relate to the experiment in class the next day.
1. Define the following key terms. Then, provide an example of each by writing the example or drawing/pasting an
image of the example.
Term
Definition
Example (write or add image)
Acid
A solution that contains an excess of hydrogen ions (H+);
acids have a higher concentration of hydrogen ions than
pure water.
Base
A solution that has an excess of hydroxide ions (OH-);
bases have a lower concentration of hydrogen ions than
pure water.
Neutral
A solution that contains a concentration of hydrogen ions
(H+) that is equal to that of pure water.
2. The following equation represents the chemical reaction that occurred. Label the reactants and the products.
CH3COOH
reactant
+
NaHCO3
reactant
g
CH3COONa
product
+
H2CO3
product
(then reactant)
g
H 2O
product
+
CO2
product
The ingredients in toothpaste react when you brush your teeth. When you
3. Give examples of other everyday chemical reactions. __________________________________________________
eat, the acids in your stomach break down the foods so they can be used in various processes and to generate energy.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
You Be The Chemist® Activity Guide | page 293