Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

where can I buy soda crystals????? [/b]

Hi element,

What type of soda crystals do you want to purchase? Do you have the chemical formula? Or failing that, a typical use? That would help us know what you have in mind for your purchase.

A brief description of your project would also be useful to help us ascertain what type of soda crystals you need to purchase.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Linh

Hi Element,

I believe soda crystals are sodium carbonate. For a science fair project, I would look in the laundry soap section of the supermarket for a product containing sodium carbonate. Or, ask your science teacher for the name of a local scientific supply company.

What is your experiment? If you need carbonate as a source of carbon dioxide, you can use baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate.

Donna Hardy

I am making stalactites and stalagmites. It says you need to put as many soda crystals in that the water can dissolve. So, basically, i'm making a mineralized formula to make the formations...

Hi there,

Here are some websites that talk about growing crystals and stalactite/stalagmites using any of the following:

• Epsom salts (MgSO4 + 7H2O , (Hydrated Magnesium Sulfate))
• baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• washing soda (sodium carbonate)

http://www.light-science.com/cavesicles.html

http://chemistry.allinfoabout.com/featu ... gmite.html

http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/crystals.htm
http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/crystals.htm#fast

http://www.nps.gov/wica/Hydrology_Cave_ ... ystals.htm

Hope these links are helpful!

Mary

thanks, those really helped!