3 Demonstration: Mystery Candle

Supplies for Instructor:

Tea light candle

Lighter or matches

Small Cup

Vinegar

Baking Soda

Question: What will happen when I add vinegar to baking soda?

Directions: On a table, add 1 tbsp baking soda to a cup and 1/3 cup vinegar. Wait for bubbles to settle and light the candle. Slowly pour the gas (not the liquid) on top of the flame. The flame should extinguish.

Theory: Baking soda reacts with vinegar creating carbon dioxide, water, and sodium acetate. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air, and when poured, will extinguish the candle.

Grades: 1st – 4th grades

Time: 5 minutes

Clean-Up: Liquids can go doing drain.

Notes and Hints: Repeat the experiment several times. Advise the students to give you space because we are working with a flame.

Image Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4P2z2RQwWs