GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It is time to mix the magic of fall with the spooky science between two chemicals. This experiment involves the chemical reaction between sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and acidic acid (vinegar).
Supplies Needed
- Pumpkin
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Dish Soap
- Food Coloring
- Jar/Cup
How to make a Pumpkin-Cano
- Hallow out your pumpkin Jack-O-Lantern
- Place the jar/cup in the center of the pumpkin
- Add four drops of dish soap into the jar
- Mix three drop of food coloring into the baking soda and stir
- Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the cup
- Add 1 1/2 cup vinegar to the baking soda
- Observe the pumpkin-cano explode!
The Science
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is a base, where acidic acid (vinegar) is an acid. When the compound and the solution come together they form an acid-base reaction.
This is when the hydrogen ions in the vinegar interact with the sodium and bicarbonate ions in the baking soda. This reaction forms two news chemicals called carbon acid and sodium acetate.
When these two chemicals interact they leave us with carbon dioxide. You know the fizzy bubbles you see in pop!
By mixing the right amount of baking soda to vinegar these bubbles cause an impressive explosion! In this case, a pumpkin-cano!
Fall in love with science every Sunday of October and November at 9 am as Meteorologist Samantha Jacques teaches fun and STEM friendly science experiments!