My project won't work

[deleted-425562]

I am doing a science project on the topic "Can you change the rate of a chemical reaction by changing the particle size of the reactants?". when I put the alka saltier tablet in the water and close the cap, nothing happens. The syringe doesn't move at all and the only reason I can think of is that I did not purchase the suggested syringe. Any ideas on what I might be doing wrong?

[norman40]

Hello Kevwelch,

I’m assuming that you are asking about the project described here:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p030.shtml

When you put the Alka Seltzer tablet in water did you see fizz or bubbles coming from the tablet? If not, you might want to try a fresh tablet.

If you are getting bubbles the gas may leaking at the water container cap or at the tubing connections at the syringe or at the cap. You might check to make sure you have good seals at these connections.

Another possibility is that the syringe plunger doesn’t move freely. You might check to see that the plunger moves easily.

And if you have a large air volume inside your water container, it could take a while for the carbon dioxide from the Alka Seltzer make its way into the syringe. If this is the case you might want to add water to your container.

I hope this helps. Please post again if you have more questions.

A. Norman