JCE Online Journal of Chemical Education
 | Subscriptions  | Software Orders  | Support  | Contributors  | Advertisers  | 

JCE Print

JCE Digital Library

JCE Software

Only@JCE Online

About JCE


  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2002  > December  >
In the Classroom
JCE Classroom Activity
Acid–Base Reactions with Carbon Dioxide
Ana Paula Carvalho, Ångela F. S. S. Mendonça, and M. Fátima M. Piedade
Departamento de Química e Bioquímica da Faculdade de Ciências, da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C8, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal

Cover
December 2002
Vol. 79 No. 12
p. 1464A

Abstract
One way to make chemistry appealing to young students is to allow them to actively participate in chemical demonstrations that are safe and fun. This Activity reproduces two well-known demonstrations where the chemical reagents have been replaced by common household products. The Activity focuses on two acid-base reactions. In the first reaction, an aqueous solution of powdered laundry detergent is neutralized with the acid formed by the dissolution of exhaled carbon dioxide. This uses the spice turmeric, also known as Indian saffron or curcuma, as an indicator. In the second reaction, vinegar and baking soda produce carbon dioxide gas. Powdered laundry detergent is added to the reaction mixture to obtain a longer-lasting, thick foam. When detergent is not used, the bubbles of carbon dioxide gas rise to the same level in the cup, but dissipate quickly. Questions for the students connect the two reactions in terms of how carbon dioxide plays a role in both reactions.
More Information
*  Citation
Carvalho, Ana Paula; Mendonça, Ångela F. S. S.; Piedade, M. Fátima M. J. Chem. Educ. 2002 79 1464A.
*  Keywords
AcidÐBase Chemistry; Demonstrations; Introductory / High School Chemistry; Natural Products; Teaching / Learning Aids
*  History
Created:
Last Updated:
October 29, 2002
March 16, 2005
  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2002 > December > Page 1464A


Subscriptions

JCE HS CLIC

Our Secondary School editors work hard to distill all the JCE materials to produce a fraction of particular interest to high school teachers. We call it CLIC.


Contributions Welcome
JCE welcomes your submission

Advertisers
In recent years we have worked hard to better match our advertisers with our readers. When shopping for chemistry education materials, visit our advertisers' WWW sites first.

Be An Ambassador
Take JCE along on your outreach missions. Copies of the Journal, guest access to JCE Online, our publications catalog, and more are available for your participants.