Carbon Dioxide Pressure

Is it really possible for a gas to send an object hurling through the air, or is it just some tale? Well the last few days in class we have been experimenting with this. By combining baking soda and vinegar in a test tube, we made carbon dioxide gas and attempted to shoot a cork across the class room. Our teacher didn't give us any specifics as to what we had to do to, we simply got the materials and had to solve it on our own. My group tried multiple different measurements and formulas to try to solve the equation. Some worked better then others, but for the most part we either hit the window or came very close to hitting it. This lab shows that the carbon dioxide is what forced the cork out of the test tube. As the pressure rose in the test tube, the gas had to escape so it forced the cork out. Also, this lab showed us problem solving skills. We had no detailed instructions as to what to do. It was our job to figure out the formula and be able to repeat it consistantly.

This lab was an extremely fun way to understand how pressure bulids and then must be released. We got to see how the gas pushed the cork out and across the room. We also worked together in groups and had to come to agreements on the formulas. This lab was a great way to demonstrate a hard to understand concept in an easy and fun way. All in all, the cork lab was enjoyable and helped me understand all of the concepts we have been learning in class.