Fizz, fizz, zoom! This baking soda experiment boat is easy to build and fun to race with friends. *PLEASE NOTE: THIS EXPERIMENT IS SUITABLE FOR 7-16 YRS. AN ADULT MUST BE PRESENT AND SUPERVISE CHILDREN AT ALL TIMES*
YOU WILL NEED:
- Empty plastic bottle
- Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
- Acetic Acid 6%
Gather the materials.
*PLEASE NOTE: AN ADULT SHOULD COMPLETE THIS STEP*
Taking caution cut a small hole in the bottom of the bottle, near to one edge.
Cut a piece of straw and poke it through the hole. Seal up the hole around the straw with hot glue or tape. You want the only path out of the bottle to be down the straw without any other leaks.
SAFETY NOTE: DO NOT TRY THIS EXPERIMENT WITHOUT THE HOLE FOR THE STRAW. IF THERE ISN’T A WAY FOR THE GAS INSIDE THE BOTTLE TO ESCAPE, THE PRESSURE CAN BUILD UP*
Hold the bottle close to level and pour in some Acetic Acid 6%. Rotate the bottle so the straw is at the top, then the Acetic Acid 6% won’t leak out.
While keeping the bottle still level, spoon in some Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate. Holding the bottle steady so the Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate doesn’t drop into the Acetic Acid 6%.
Screw the bottle cap back on. Tip the bottle to combine the Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate and Acetic Acid 6%. Immediately place it into a tub of water with the straw under the water. Watch your bottle boat go!
THE METHOD BEHIND THE EXPERIMENT
If you mix baking soda and vinegar, you get a chemical reaction which creates carbon dioxide gas. When this happens inside your bottle boat, the gas only has one way to escape, and that’s out the straw. The gas flying down the straw and out the back pushes the boat forwards.
This is the same principle used by airplane jet engines. Hot gases are thrown backward out of the engine, and that propels the airplane forward.
NOTE: BEFORE USING ANY OF THE PRODUCTS LISTED PLEASE READ ANY SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS TO THIS PRODUCT BEFORE USAGE.
PLEASE ALSO COMPLETE A PATCH TEST.
APC Pure does not accept any responsibility, this is a guide only.