Create a bubbling pumpkin eruption for Halloween, a perfect kitchen experiment for young kids and fun for all ages!

 

You Need

• 2-3 packets of baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate)
• ½ glass of vinegar + ½ glass of water
• A pumpkin or a large glass
• Food coloring
• 1 teaspoon of dish soap
• A large waterproof surface, such as a tray

 

What to Do

Place the baking powder into the large glass or a pumpkin. Fill a second glass halfway with vinegar and dilute it with water until it is almost full. Then, add the food coloring. Carefully pour the mixture into the large glass/pumpkin containing the baking powder.

 

Explanation

NaHCO₃ + H₃O⁺ –> Na⁺ + CO₂ + 2 H₂O

This reaction is an acid-base reaction between acetic acid (CH₃COOH) in vinegar and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) in baking soda. It produces carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and sodium acetate (CH₃COONa). The CO₂ forms bubbles, and the dish soap traps them, creating foam.

The food coloring is purely for visual effect and has no chemical impact on the reaction; it’s added, as well as the dish soap, because the foaming is much more fun when it is colored and it foams a lot. No dish soap was used in the video.

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Also of Interest

Clever Picture: Baking Powder Chemistry

We know baking powder as raising agent from the kitchen and in this Clever Picture we take a look at how it works and how it was developed

 

 

Video: CO₂ Extinguishes Candle

Extinguishing a candle with baking powder and vinegar

 

 

Collection: Chemistry with Young Children

A growing list of ideas to get young children excited about chemistry