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
Media Attributions
- candle