How to Make Hydrogen from Aluminum Foil and Drain Cleaner

Objectives:
 Learn the reaction of aluminum foil to drain cleaner,
 Learn the effects of the chemical reaction, and
 Know which chemicals react violently.

Materials:
 Drain Cleaner
 Aluminum foil
 Balloon
 Glass bottle

Procedure:
Step 1: Pour the cleaner.
Pour 100 mL of cleaner into the glass bottle. You can also approximate
the amount if you want.

Step 2: Prepare the foil.

Cut a 6-inch square piece of tinfoil to put into the bottle. Do not use a
bigger piece, as it could cause the bottle to crack and the balloon to
explode and throw burning liquid around the room. Crumple the foil up
so that it will fit through the neck of the glass bottle.

Step 3: Get Safe.

Put on your safety goggles. Move the experiment to a place that you
don't mind getting soaked in boiling liquid. Also, be sure to get your
balloon ready and accessible for the next step.
Step 4: Add the foil and cover the bottle.
Push your crumpled aluminum foil into the bottle and immediately cover
the top with your balloon. You have about 30 seconds before the reaction
gets violent, so do this right away. Once the balloon is secure, stand back
a few feet and watch the reaction.

Step 5: See the Reaction.

Wait for the bottle to cool and remove the balloon from the top. Twisting
it several times before removing it will help keep the gas inside while you
tie the knot. Watch the balloon float away as if it was filled with helium.

Explanation:
The reaction depends on what type of drain cleaner is being used.
Aluminum is an amphoteric element which means that it will dissolve in
both acids and bases. If the cleaner is lye (sodium hydroxide, lye) the
addition of water to the solid lye will cause the solution to attack and
dissolve the aluminum and release hydrogen gas. If the drain cleaner is
sulfuric acid, then the dissolution of the aluminum will begin as soon as it
is put in the acid, again releasing hydrogen gas. Once it releases hydrogen
gas, it fills up the balloon. The hydrogen gas gives the same effect as
helium making the balloon float in the air.