Chemical Volcano is a crazy chemical reaction.  This reaction is a consequence of neutralization reaction

In this experiment we will pour a sodium bicarbonate solution into acetic acid. This reaction is a violent reaction, do not do this at home.

Safety First! Adult supervision required. Wear protective eye wear and clothing. Don’t eat/drink your experiments.

Materials and tools required

Chemicals:

  • Acetic Acid (80% concentration)
  • Sodium Bicarbonate
  • Distilled Water
  • Liquid Soap
  • Food Color

Apparatus

  • 1000 ml Conical Flask
  • 250 ml Plastic Beaker
  • Stirrer

Video on the YouTube for experiment

What to do!

Step 1 – Take 400 ml of acetic acid in a conical flask.

Step 2 – Pour some food color in the flask.

Step 3 – Put few drops of liquid soap in the conical flask and mix it well.

Step 4 – In a 250 ml beaker add 40 gm sodium bicarbonate in 60 ml hot water.

Step 5 – Pour the mixture and watch the volcano erupt immediately..

Images for instructions

Working principle of the activity

This volcano works because of acid base reaction. Acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate when they mix they create a acid base reaction. Acetic acid is acidic and sodium bicarbonate is basic in nature.

The chemical equation for the overall reaction is:

NaHCO3(s) + CH3COOH(l) → CO2(g) + H2O(l) + Na+(aq) + CH3COO–(aq)

When an acid and base mix together they tend to make a product which is neutral, this is called neutralization reaction. a by product of neutralization reaction is expulsion of gas. Here, carbon dioxide is given off as a gas. Carbon dioxide is responsible for the fizzing and bubbling during the ‘eruption’.

Safety Precautions

  • It’s a good idea to wear protective eye wear and clothing, as for any science demonstration. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics, as they readily melt if exposed to flame. Cotton, silk, and wool are good choices, or you can wear a lab coat.