Levitating Bubbles Science Experiment - Chemical Reaction Explained

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In summary, during a scientific event, students demonstrated an experiment where they poured baking soda and vinegar into a bottle and then blew bubbles into it, causing the bubbles to levitate. This is due to the reaction between the baking soda and vinegar producing carbon dioxide, which is denser than air. The soap bubbles, being mostly air, were less dense and therefore floated above the carbon dioxide layer. The chemical equation for this reaction is typically written as NaHCO3 + HC2H3O2 -> NaC2H3O2 + CO2 + H2O.
  • #1
Numeriprimi
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Hello.
When I was on a scientific event, some students show a experiment with a bubbles.
They poured into the bottle baking soda and vinegar. Then they blowing bubbles directly into the bottle, where the bubbles levitated. Why they levitated? Can you express a chemical equation?

Thank you very much!
 
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  • #2
Baking soda and vinegar would be very frothy... lots of bubbles already.
How did the students blow bubbles into this mixture? You mean they blew soap bubbles in air and allowed them into the container, and the soap bubbles floated above the liquid?

That's normal buoyancy - the acid+base reaction gives off carbon-dioxide which is denser than air. The soap bubbles, being mostly air, were less dense than the carbon-dioxide layer.

http://www.hometrainingtools.com/bubbles-and-baking-soda/a/1512/

http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemi...-Reaction-Between-Baking-Soda-And-Vinegar.htm
 

1. What materials do I need for the levitating bubbles science experiment?

To perform the levitating bubbles science experiment, you will need a clear glass or plastic container, water, dish soap, food coloring, dry ice, and gloves or tongs for handling the dry ice.

2. How does the chemical reaction create levitating bubbles?

The chemical reaction occurs when the dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide) is placed in the water. As the dry ice sublimates (turns from a solid to a gas), it creates a layer of carbon dioxide gas underneath the water. When the soap is added, it traps the carbon dioxide gas, forming bubbles that rise and appear to levitate.

3. Can I use regular ice instead of dry ice for this experiment?

No, regular ice will not work for this experiment. Dry ice is necessary because it undergoes sublimation, while regular ice melts into liquid water and does not produce the same effect.

4. Is the levitating bubbles science experiment safe for children to do?

This experiment should only be performed under adult supervision, as dry ice is very cold and can cause frostbite if touched with bare hands. It is important to handle the dry ice with gloves or tongs and to never ingest it.

5. What other variations of this experiment can I try?

There are several variations of this experiment you can try, such as using different types of soap or adding different colors of food coloring to the water. You can also try using different types of containers or experimenting with the amount of dry ice used. Be creative and see what other cool effects you can create!

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