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My project name is called "Can You Change the Rate of a Chemical Reaction by Changing the Particle Size of the Reactants?" and I don't know how to measure the Carbon Dioxide Volume. I tried doin the experiment and nothing happens to the syringe when I drop the tablet in. What should I do? Is there to be gas inside the syringe, because if there was suppose to be gas, nothing happened.
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Science project
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Re: Science project
Hi stefprincess25,
During the experiment, you're supposed to measure the rate at which the plunger in the syringe is being pushed up by the carbon dioxide gas released by the reaction of the Alka-Seltzer tablet. Record the level of the plunger in the syringe for each of the different particle sizes at set time intervals (i.e. every 5 seconds or 10 seconds). The level of the plunger on the syringe will give you a measurement of the volume of the gas (probably in milliliters).
Also, did you see any visible signs of a reaction occurring when you dropped the Alka-Seltzer tablets in? This can be like small gas bubbles coming off of the tablets when in water.
If there wasn't any reaction you can try adding something acidic to the water such as vinegar or lemon juice, but don't add too much acid (add like 2-3 drops). The acid should make the reaction go quicker, but if the reaction occurs too quickly, then reduce the amount of acid.
If you did see a reaction and gas was being released, then maybe your setup has a leak in it somewhere. Check to make sure that the rubber tubing is secured tightly to the water bottle and the syringe. If there are no leaks, and a reaction does occur, then check the syringe and make sure that it is pushed all the way down when you start the experiment.
If you try all of these and the experiment still doesn't work, then ask me, my name is Stephen.
Good Luck!
During the experiment, you're supposed to measure the rate at which the plunger in the syringe is being pushed up by the carbon dioxide gas released by the reaction of the Alka-Seltzer tablet. Record the level of the plunger in the syringe for each of the different particle sizes at set time intervals (i.e. every 5 seconds or 10 seconds). The level of the plunger on the syringe will give you a measurement of the volume of the gas (probably in milliliters).
Also, did you see any visible signs of a reaction occurring when you dropped the Alka-Seltzer tablets in? This can be like small gas bubbles coming off of the tablets when in water.
If there wasn't any reaction you can try adding something acidic to the water such as vinegar or lemon juice, but don't add too much acid (add like 2-3 drops). The acid should make the reaction go quicker, but if the reaction occurs too quickly, then reduce the amount of acid.
If you did see a reaction and gas was being released, then maybe your setup has a leak in it somewhere. Check to make sure that the rubber tubing is secured tightly to the water bottle and the syringe. If there are no leaks, and a reaction does occur, then check the syringe and make sure that it is pushed all the way down when you start the experiment.
If you try all of these and the experiment still doesn't work, then ask me, my name is Stephen.
Good Luck!