Balloon Races- Ionization of Hydrochloric Acid and Acetic Acid
Description: Magnesium is added to equal volumes of 2 M hydrochloric acid and acetic acid. The two systems are closed by balloons. The balloon with the strong acid blows up faster, but both are the same eventual size. A second version of this demonstration uses solid sodium bicarbonate NaHCO3 (s) in place of Magnesium metal.
Source: UW Card Catalog
Year: N/A Vol: N/A Page: N/A
Keywords: Reaction rate, Magnesium, Strong acid, Weak acid, Balloon
Rating: 
Hazard: Some
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Use of flammable gas producing reagents
- Inhalation hazard
- Oxidizing solid
- Corrosive to metals
- Acute toxicity hazard – specific organ – respiratory system
Effectiveness: Average
- Results are observable with guidance
- Mild effects are seen by audience
- Contrast between system is noticeable
- Time to results is medium
- Good connection from demo to course material
Difficulty: Medium
- Some simultaneous manipulations are required
- Use of reactive substances
- Simple procedures
- Some practice recommended
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Absorbent materials on hand
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Avoid exposure to dusts, mists or vapors
- Sodium bicarbonate on hand
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
Class: Acid and Bases, Gas-Producing Reactions, Entropy, Dissociation and Solubility
Division: General, Analytical Chemistry
Home| General Chemistry Demos| Analytical Chemistry Demos