Exploding Sandwich Bag

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 Ages: 8-12

Objective: Demonstrate how chemical reactions produce gas and cause pressure buildup, resulting in an exciting “explosion” effect.

Materials Needed:

  1. A small sandwich bag (resealable)
  2. Baking soda
  3. Vinegar
  4. A measuring spoon
  5. A small cup or container
  6. A towel or apron (to protect from spills)

Procedure:

  1. Prepare the Bag:

    • Place the sandwich bag on a flat surface.

  2. Add Baking Soda:

    • Measure 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and add it to the sandwich bag. Try to get it into one corner of the bag.

  3. Prepare the Vinegar:

    • Measure about 1/4 cup of vinegar and pour it into a small cup or container.

  4. Combine the Ingredients:

    • Carefully pour the vinegar into the sandwich bag with the baking soda. Seal the bag quickly, ensuring it’s tightly closed.

  5. Shake and Watch:

    • Gently shake the bag and place it on a safe surface, away from your face and body. Watch as the bag inflates and eventually bursts!

Observation:

  • The sandwich bag will start to inflate as the vinegar reacts with the baking soda, producing carbon dioxide gas. The pressure builds up inside the bag until it pops.

Explanation:

  • The reaction between baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) produces carbon dioxide gas. As the gas accumulates in the sealed bag, it causes the pressure to increase, eventually leading to the bag bursting.

Extensions:

  1. Different Sizes:

    • Try using different sizes of bags to see how the size affects the “explosion.”

  2. Reaction Rates:

    • Experiment with different amounts of baking soda and vinegar to see how it affects the speed and intensity of the reaction.

  3. Gas Collection:

    • Use a balloon instead of a sandwich bag to collect the gas and observe how much it inflates.

Safety Note:

  • Ensure children wear safety goggles or protective eyewear to avoid any accidental splashes. Conduct the experiment in a controlled environment to manage any mess or spills.

This experiment is a fun and dynamic way to explore chemical reactions and gas production, providing a memorable hands-on learning experience.

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