Level

2 Lab 1

Boiling Vinegar
Chemical changes are different than physical changes, but this difference is sometimes difficult
to distinguish. Some clues indicate that a reaction is chemical, for example gas being emitted or
a change in temperature. Thats what this lab will demonstrate.
Material
Safety glasses



3 g baking soda
100 ml graduated cylinder

100 ml vinegar
600 ml Erlenmeyer flask


thermometer
Balance




scoopula
Weigh boat

Procedure

1. Using the graduated cylinder, measure 100 ml vinegar and put in the flask.
2. Put the thermometer in the vinegar in the flask. Record the temperature
this is the initial temperature. Remove the thermometer.
3. Measure 3 g of baking soda using the balance.
4. Slowly pour the baking soda into the flask. Proceed with caution as too much
effervescence may cause the liquid to overflow.
5. Once all of the baking soda has been added, gently shake the flask until the baking
soda is completely dissolved.
6. Put the thermometer in the flask. When the temperature is stable, record your result.
7. Calculate the difference in temperature and record in the results table.
RESULTS TABLE
Initial Temperature
Final Temperature
Difference in temperature

Questions
1. When the two substances were mixed together, was there a change in temperature?

2. When you mixed the two substances and the temperature varied, two phenomena were
produced in the mixture. Explain them briefly.

3. With the help of your answers from the first two questions, indicate if you performed a chemical
or physical change. Explain your answer.

4. This experiment produced carbonic gas. How could you determine this?