Balloon Races- Ionization of Hydrochloric Acid and Acetic Acid
Coin-Operated Red, White, and Blue Fountain: Reaction of Nitric Acid and Copper
Conductivity and Extent of Dissociation of Acids and Bases
Fizzing Races: Ionization of HCl and Acetic Acid
Acid-Base Indicators Extracted from Plants
Acidic and Basic Properties of Oxides
Acidic and Basic Properties of Salts
Acidity of Aluminum Chloride in Solution
Amphoteric Properties of Aluminum Hydroxide
Classical Properties of Acids and Bases
Food is Acidic: Cleaners are Basic
Fizzing and Foaming: Reactions of Acids and Carbonates
Description: A mixture of soap, bicarbonate, methyl red indicator and water is placed in a soda glass or 1L tall form beaker and treated with 6M HCl. The mixture fizzes, foams, and changes color from yellow to pink as it overflows the glass.
NaHCO3(aq) + HCl(aq) → H2O(l) + CO2(g) + NaCl(aq)
Source: UW Card Catalog, Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1989 Vol: 3 Pages: 96 – 99
Keywords: Acid Base reactions, Carbonates, Gas producing reactions, Indicators
Rating: 
Hazard: Low
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Serious eye damage
- Corrosive to metals
- Specific organ toxicity hazard – single exposure – respiratory system
Effectiveness: Average
- Some connections from demo to course material
- Time to results is low
- Results are observable without guidance
- Contrast between systems behavior is clear
- Mild effects are observed by audience
- Some secondary effects
- Good reliability
Difficulty: Low
- Simple procedures
- Simple manipulations for most to perform
- Use of gas-producing reagents
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Avoid exposure to vapors, mists, or gases
- Spill material on hand
- Extra sodium bicarbonate on hand
Class: Acids and Bases
Division: General
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