Message-Id: <3.0.5.32.19980729225349.007ffca0@isaac.exploratorium.edu>
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 22:53:49 -0700
To: pinhole
From: Eric Muller <emuller@exploratorium.edu>
Subject: re: CO2 bottle cars
In-Reply-To: <b022a04c.35bfb813@aol.com>
CGD3,
I hope its ok...I sent this message on to pinhole.
-Eric
>With the tilted bottle, I asssume this will be done outside before a
>cloudburst so all the reactants will be washed into the local street drainage
>system. Oceans do have buffers?
>
>What distances are you achieving??
>
>cgd3
>
>
CGD3,
If memory servers me correctly the equation for the reaction in the soda
bottle is:
NaHCO3(Baking soda) + HC2H3O2(vinegar) -> NaC2H3O2(Sodium Acetate)) +
H2O(water) + CO2(g)
All the reactants and products are food grade and the acid (vinegar) and
the base (baking soda) neutralize each other.
I've never done this activity indoors (only in the open), but I often ask
the custodian if I can borrow a hose to wash down the racetrack after the
event.
The speeds and the distances that a well-designed car can achieve are
surprising. Although my racecourse is usually 25 meters long, I've seen
cars go well over 100 meters.
Eric Muller
Teacher-In-Residence
Exploratorium Teacher Institute
3601 Lyon St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
emuller@exploratorium.edu
415-561-0313