Balloon Races – Ionization of Hydrochloric Acid and Acetic Acid
Common Ion Effect with Lead Iodide
Effect of Ionic Strength on Ion Dissociation
Precipitating Silver With Chromate and Chloride Ions
Precipitating Sodium Chloride from Its Solution
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 manipulation is 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
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