Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am doing project on " can you change the rate of reaction by changing the size of particles " . May i use disprin instead of alka seltzer tablets ? Suggest more tablets like alka seltzer please .

Hi Mehulgopalani,

I’m assuming that you are working on the project described here:

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

In this project you measure the rate of carbon dioxide production from different sizes of Alka Seltzer tablets. Alka Seltzer tablets contain sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. When dissolved in water these chemicals react to form carbon dioxide.

To make this project work you really need a tablet that produces carbon dioxide when placed in water (effervescent tablet). If Alka Seltzer is not available where you live perhaps you could order it, or another type of effervescent tablet online. For example Amazon.com lists several effervescent tablets.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c ... Caps%2C159

You may be able to find different kinds of effervescent tablets at local drugstores. Just check to see that the ingredients list includes sodium bicarbonate and citric acid.

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

A. Norman