Summary

In this lab, students study several concepts, including acid-base reactions, limiting reactants, and stoichiometry, by observing the contained reaction of acetic acid (diluted vinegar) with sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda) in an unconventional, cost effective titration.

Grade Level

High school

AP Chemistry Curriculum Framework

This laboratory experiment supports the following units, topics and learning objectives:

• Unit 3: Properties of Substances and Mixtures
  • Topic 3.5: Kinetic Molecular Theory
    • 3.5.A: Explain the relationship between the motion of particles and the macroscopic properties of gases with: a. The kinetic molecular theory (KMT). b. A particulate model. c. A graphical representation.
• Unit 4: Chemical Reactions
  • Topic 4.2: Net Ionic Equations
    • 4.2.A: Represent changes in matter with a balanced chemical or net ionic equation: a. For physical changes. b. For given information about the identity of the reactants and/or product. c. For ions in a given chemical reaction.
  • Topic 4.5: Stoichiometry
    • 4.5.A: Explain changes in the amounts of reactants and products based on the balanced reaction equation for a chemical process.
• Unit 8: Acids and Bases
  • Topic 8.5: Acid-Base Titrations
    • 8.5.A: Explain results from the titration of a mono- or polyprotic acid or base solution, in relation to the properties of the solution and its components.

Objectives

By the end of this lab, students should be able to

• Find the stoichiometric ratio of acetic acid when reacted with sodium hydrogen carbonate to form carbonic acid and sodium acetate.
• Determine which reactant is the limiting reactant.
• Observe how the amount of gaseous product is affected by the limiting reactant.

Chemistry Topics

• Acid-base reactions
• Titrations
• Stoichiometry
• Limiting reactants
• Chemical reactions
• Gas Laws

Time

Teacher Preparation: 30 minutes

Lesson: 45 minute class period

Materials

• Vernier Logger Pro
• Computer
• Vernier Gas Pressure Sensor
• 1000 mL flask
• Stopper
• Tapered valve connector
• Plastic tubing
• 100 mL graduated cylinder
• 12 mL syringe
• Small beaker (exact size does not matter, just something to hold the vinegar)
• 2.5 % acetic acid (store bought vinegar diluted)
• 0.03 M sodium bicarbonate solution (baking soda water mixture)
• Bottle of distilled water (for rinsing)

Safety

• Always wear safety goggles when handling chemicals in the lab.
• Students should wear a lab apron and closed toes shoes at all times.
• Students should wash their hands thoroughly before leaving the lab.
• When students complete the lab, instruct them how to clean up their materials and dispose of any chemicals.
• Tape any glass flasks used to produce gases to guard against possible shattering.
• Press down on the stopper at all times, to ensure that the stopper does not pop off.
• Use caution when removing the stopper after measuring the pressure, as the suction in the flask may require greater force to remove.
• Keep the MSDS reference documents on hand for all chemicals.

Teacher Notes

• This laboratory experiment accompanies a Chemistry Solutions article in the November 2015 issue.
• This lab is a great substitute to the stereotypical balloon lab done by those who care not about results but about lab experience. Though balloons are fun, it is important for students to see how the reaction actually produces scientifically quantifiable results that can be applied to laws and formulas. The results are much more precise than those obtained from balloons, since there is much less room for error.
• Since this lab ties together several concepts, it is recommended this be done near the end of first year or near the beginning of second year.
• The following preparations should be made by the teacher before the day begins:
  • Gather all the glassware needed - flask, graduated cylinder, and beaker. A 12 mL syringe is also needed to measure out the vinegar solution. Everything will need to be rinsed between trials with water, so it is important to have this on hand at every table.
  • You will need plenty of .03 M sodium bicarbonate solution. To make this solution you need 2.52 grams of baking soda for every liter of water. Recommendation is for one gallon of solution per two student groups.
  • The acid reagent is 5% store-brand vinegar that has been diluted to half concentration (one part vinegar, one part water). Not as much of this is needed, so make it in small batches just before the lab. The whole investigation can be done in 45 minutes, but when experimenting over the course of more than one day it is best to remake the solution for the second set of trials.
    
  • The reagent solutions can be easily and safely stored, even in one-gallon plastic jars, allowing teachers to prepare solutions days in advance.
• (Optional) AP/Honors Inquiry: Students can use the vinegar and the pressure probes to determine the concentration of the baking soda from the measurement of the pressure. From this, the students can devise their own procedures and use it as a template for labs with other molarities of baking soda. In this case, honors teachers should carefully review the procedures to make certain that the partial pressures do not increase to a hazardous level.

Associated Content:

• Two sample specimen student-generated lab reports. (See Downloads box)
  
• Sample template for data collection using Logger Pro by Vernier (see image below). You can download a 30-day trial version of Logger Pro software online.

• A short procedural video (below).

• Reaction explanation video (below). This video describes the molecular-ionic level of a reaction between the two chemicals used in this lab. An quantitative explanation provides meaning for limiting reactant and excess reactant, as well as why the graph increases linearly but then flattens out.