Hobbies And Interests
Erupting Volcano
An erupting volcano is a classic school science fair project. This project is made by forming a volcano out of clay with a large well on the top. Baking soda is loaded into the well and vinegar is poured through the top. The result is the formation of gases trapped inside foam. This experiment is useful for showing the formation of the gases, which are easily seen in the foaming "lava."
Exploding Bag
This is another experiment using baking soda and vinegar. In this experiment, a plastic zipper bag is fully closed to make a more dramatic explosion. To perform the project, place some vinegar in a plastic bag with a zipper top. Wrap some baking soda in a tissue, place it in the bag with the vinegar and quickly seal the bag. The baking soda and vinegar will mix as the tissue becomes soaked with the vinegar. After a few seconds, the bag explodes from the amount of pressure building up inside the bag. It is best to do this experiment outside, as it will be a little messy.
Potato Chip Can Explosion
This science project requires access to hydrogen gas. This is best done in a large room, to avoid any potential injury from the explosion. Take a cardboard potato chip can and drill a 1-millimeter hole in the metal side of the can and a 6-millimeter hole in the plastic lid. Cover the holes with tape with a small piece of paper to make a tab. Remove the lid and fill the can, opening side down, with hydrogen, using rubber tubing. Attach the lid, pull the tape off from the top and bottom of the can and light the hydrogen from the smaller hole on top of the can. The burning gas will start to make a high-pitched sound, and the can will explode as the sound becomes lower in pitch.
Soda Geyser
Mixing diet cola soda and mint Mentos candies produces an exploding geyser of soda. This project is an example of how a hole (in this case, the bottle opening) can direct the pressure from an explosion. If a smaller hole is made, then the resulting geyser will have more force behind it. To do this experiment, unscrew the top from a 2-liter bottle of diet cola and add five to six Mentos candies at once. The geyser works best with diet cola and mint Mentos candy, as regular cola contains sugar, which is a relatively large molecule. The matte finish on the mint Mentos candy provides more reaction sites than the smooth coating on the fruit Mentos candy.
Safety
Performing any science experiment requires the acknowledgement of certain basic safety rules to avoid an injury. Do exploding science projects in an open area, such as outside on a concrete pad. Spectators should stand well back from the experiment. Gloves and eye protection are also highly recommended whenever there is potential for flying debris. Controlled explosions should never be performed in glass vessels as this can cause major injuries.