Popping Fun

Recently in science class, we studied physical and chemical properties and physical and chemical changes. To reinforce this new knowledge, we completed a lab called Popping Fun. We were split into six groups. Each group had a beaker of vinegar, a beaker of baking soda, a test tube, and a graduated cylinder. The groups had to try to create the right combination of vinegar and baking soda that would create enough carbon dioxide to pop the cork off of the test tube. My group just couldn't seem to get the right combination, but finally the cork popped 600+ meters! We were so happy because our first ten trials didn't work. Here a similar experiment is described in which vinegar and baking soda are combined to make a volcano "erupt." In both the Popping Fun lab and the volcano experiment, new products are created. When new products are created, it is called a chemical change or a chemical reaction. There are many examples of everyday chemical reactions, such as cooking. Here many different kinds of chemical reactions are listed and described. This lab was a fun and interesting way to learn about chemical reactions we encounter every day.