A Vinegar/Baking Soda Baster Blaster

Featuring contributions from Giuliana Bailey, Paul Lee, John Tian

The reaction of baking soda and vinegar is a familiar one for many science students; the formation of carbon dioxide gas as a byproduct is often used to create a “volcano” or “rocket” effect. This demonstration uses the buildup of pressure from the formation of the carbon dioxide gas in a water bottle to propel a turkey baster into the air. The baster tube should have a round cross-section in order to effectively fit the bottle opening, and we recommend that the rubber bulb be fastened to the tube with electrical tape.  To perform the demonstration, add about 16 g of baking soda to an empty 500 mL water bottle.  It is not necessary to clear the baking soda powder away from the hole in the bottle  Use the baster to draw up about 40 mL of vinegar.  Quickly place the point of the baster with vinegar into the bottle with baking soda.  The baster tip should seal into the bottle but not fit so tightly that the baster cannot move.  Squeeze the vinegar into the bottle, and, making sure that the bottle and baster are still standing upright, release your grip on the baster bulb.  Within seconds, the carbon dioxide produced by the reaction will propel the baster into the air.

Sorry, some sort of error is turning my pictures sideways!