What is the optimal concentration of ethanoic acid for maximum foam production?

[prasannapakkiam]

An experiment was carried out in class. Basically, Baking Soda was added to different concentrations of Ethanoic Acid. The plot of 'Maximum Foam observed' vs. 'concentration of the Acid'. The curve went up but then dropped noticeably!

So basically, with high concentrations or low concentrations; the foam created was low. it was as if there was an optimal concentration?

Note that this experiment was very fair. So Error? or something else?

 

[symbolipoint]

An experiment was carried out in class. Basically, Baking Soda was added to different concentrations of Ethanoic Acid. The plot of 'Maximum Foam observed' vs. 'concentration of the Acid'. The curve went up but then dropped noticeably!

So basically, with high concentrations or low concentrations; the foam created was low. it was as if there was an optimal concentration?

Note that this experiment was very fair. So Error? or something else?

Your description suggests the concept of limiting and excess reagent. Did the experiment use always the same quantity of sodium bicarbonate?

 

[prasannapakkiam]

yes it did.

 

[symbolipoint]

symbolipoint:

Did the experiment use always the same quantity of sodium bicarbonate?

prasannapakkiam:

yes it did.

What you observed about the foam height is a logical result.

 

[prasannapakkiam]

I would love if you would please explain why?

 

[symbolipoint]

I would love if you would please explain why?

The bubbling comes from the decomposing -bicarbonate; a constant amount of bicarbonate was used in every trial, keeping it as a limiting reactant when the acetic (ethanoic) acid was used in excess.

 

[prasannapakkiam]

Sorry, But I am still not sure. Even if I put acid to excess, shouldn't the foam still rise to the same maximal level. However, it went down.