This week, our Year 10 chemists explored the spirited side of chemical kinetics. To wrap up their chemistry unit on bonding and reactions, students carried out a Christmas-themed acid-carbonate reaction, creating “erupting” festive displays. By reacting dilute ethanoic acid (vinegar) with metal carbonate (our “snow” baking powder), pupils observed the rapid evolution of carbon dioxide gas to create their fizzing artworks with added food colouring. They also carried out an extended challenge – calculate the perfect ratio of reactants to create a controlled, “snowy” foam that mimicked a winter wonderland without overflowing the lab benches! It was a fantastic way to solidify their understanding of acid reactions and reaction rates before the holiday break.
