TITLE: Particles in Motion

INTRODUCTION:

RATIONALE:
This experiment is conducted in order to prove that gases are indeed, in constant motion. We need to perform this
activity in able to instill the idea that this certain state of matter can spread out in the atmosphere easily despite of its
specific composition, density, and other factors that it possesses; may it be harmful to our health or not. We are all
aware that not all gases are safe for humans and through this experiment, may we be able to convey a lesson for
everyone that we should be wary and minimize the use of dangerous gaseous substances that can create adverse effects
not only on humans, but also in our environment in the long run. As gases can diffuse and spread out no matter how far
we are from each other, then a small amount of substance we contribute will become a part of a bigger problem if
everyone will keep on continuing practicing these old habits. Lastly, this experiment is to give an added enlightenment
for people to explain why spontaneous changes or reactions happen around us that is difficult to explain for it usually
involves gases, which are commonly invisible to the naked eye.

PURPOSE:
We hoped to learn on how gases move from one container to another (its behavior), the methods we can use to
observe its effusion and diffusion, if chemical reactions are possible with gaseous substances and if so, what are the
observable characteristics it may give and the new solutions it may form, including its balanced equation. Through this
experiment, we expect to see how limewater can be used to detect Carbon dioxide and the purpose of using
Phenolphthalein, an acid-base indicator as an aid during the experiment and the possible role of Carbon dioxide in an
acid-base reaction. Also, through this activity, we anticipate to learn about the observable differences between gases
such as its density.

HYPOTHESIS:
The students hypothesized that if a liquid solution containing water (H 2O), Calcium hydroxide (lime water; base)
and Phenolphthalein (acid-base indicator) is mixed with Carbon dioxide gas, then the pink solution (base) will undergo
an acid-base reaction and turn into a clear solution (acid).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN:
Independent Variable: Length of time in exhaling into the solution ??
Dependent Variable: pH level of the water or color of the solution??? or amount of precipitate present in the
solution??
Constants: Amount of H20, drops of Pp, size of Erlenmeyer’s flask, amount of lime water, time and rate of blowing,
size of straws

MATERIALS:
● 4 pieces of 250 mL Erlenmeyer’s Flasks ● 1 burette
● 150 mL water ● 1 medicine dropper
● 48 drops of Pp (Phenolphthalein) ● Weighing scale
● 12 mL Lime water (saturated Ca(OH)2 ● 1 g CaCO3
solution) ● 1 Erlenmeyer’s flask
● 1 test tube ● 1 cork
● 1 test tube rack ● 2 test tubes
● 4 drinking straws ● 1 test tube rack
● 1 piece of a 10 mL graduated cylinder ● 2 mL of basic solution (Ca(OH)2)
● 1 pipette ● 10 mL of HCl

SAFETY CONCERNS:
● Be careful not to sip through the straw while exhaling and bubbling into the solution. Drinking from an
Erlenmeyer flask may be cool but ingesting Phenolphthalein to your intestines wouldn’t be!
● Wear gloves while transferring the drops of Phenolphthalein into the flasks. According to the West Liberty
University, Phenolphthalein may cause skin irritation harm if absorbed through the skin.
● Wear goggles while blowing into the solution because it splashes a little as you blow into it.

MATERIALS SAFETY DATA SHEET

CHEMICAL NAME PHYSICAL & HAZARDS AND FIRST AID MEASURE
AND FORMULA CHEMICAL TOXICITY
PROPERTIES
Calcium Carbonate Physical Property: SKIN: INHALATION:
Skin corrosion/irritation
CaCO3 Solid white powder or Remove victim to fresh air
lumps EYE: and keep at rest in a
Serious eye damage/eye position comfortable for
Chemical Property: irritation breathing.
Soluble in water ORGAN:
SKIN:
Specific target organ
toxicity (single exposure) Wash with plenty of soap
and water. Wash
contaminated clothing
before reuse.
EYES:
Rinse cautiously with water
for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses, if
present and easy to do.
Continue rinsing.
INGESTION:
Rinse mouth. Do NOT
induce vomiting. Obtain
emergency medical
attention
SEEK MEDICAL
ATTENTION.

Calcium hydroxide Physical Property: EYE: causes eye irritation INHALATION:

Colorless liquid
Ca(OH)2 Assure fresh air breathing.
Allow the victim to rest.
Chemical Property:
Soluble in water SKIN:
Remove affected clothing
and wash all exposed skin
area with mild soap and
water, followed by warm
water rinse.
EYE:
Rinse immediately with
plenty of water. Obtain
medical attention if pain,
blinking or redness persist.

Carbon dioxide Physical Properties:
Carbon dioxide is a
CO2 colorless & odorless gas. It
is soluble in water, ethanol ,
acetone and has the
following properties :
Melting Point : -55.6 degC
Boiling Point : -78.5 degC
Density : 1.977
Chemical Properties:
Carbon dioxide is a linear
covalent molecule.It is an
acidic oxide and reacts with
water to give carbonic acid.
Carbon dioxide reacts with
alkalis to give carbonates
and bicarbonates.
INGESTION:
Rinse mouth. Do NOT
induce vomiting. Obtain
emergency medical
attention.
SEEK MEDICAL
ASSISTANCE.
Carbon Dioxide is a SKIN: None required.
powerful cerebral dilator. EYE CONTACT:
At concentrations between None required.
2 and 10%, Carbon Dioxide INHALATION:
can cause nausea, dizziness, Rescuers should not
headache, mental attempt to retrieve victims
confusion, increased blood of exposure to this product
pressure and respiratory without adequate personal
rate. Above 8% nausea and protective equipment.
vomiting appear. Above
10%, suffocation and death At a minimum, self-
can occur within minutes. contained breathing
apparatus should be worn.
EYE CONTACT:
Vapor may cause a stinging Remove victim(s) to fresh
sensation. air, as quickly as possible.
If not breathing qualified
SKIN CONTACT: personnel should
No adverse effects from administer artificial
gas. respiration. Get medical
attention.
INHALATION:
May cause dizziness. If breathing is difficult,
Asphyxiant. Can cause administer oxygen.
vomiting. May result in
unconsciousness. May
cause excitation, excess INGESTION:
salivation, rapid breathing. No first aid should be
May cause headaches and needed. Not considered a
drowsiness. May cause potential route of exposure.
stinging of the nose and
throat.
INGESTION:
Not a likely route of
exposure.
EFFECTS OF CHRONIC
EXPOSURE:
Damage to retinal ganglion
cells and central nervous
system may occur due to
the presence of carbon
dioxide.
 REPRODUCTIVE
EFFECTS:
Oxygen deficiency during
pregnancy has produced
developmental
abnormalities in humans
and experimental animals.

Carbonic acid Physical Properties: EYES: May cause eye EYES:

Carbonic acid only exists as irritation.
H2CO3 Flush eyes with plenty of
a solution, with a density of water for at least 15
1.668 g/mol. It is insoluble minutes, occasionally
in water. lifting the upper and lower
eyelids. Get medical aid
Chemical Properties: immediately.
Carbonic acid is a weak and SKIN:
unstable acid, which
partially dissociates in Get medical aid. Flush skin
with plenty of water for at
water into hydrogen ions least 15 minutes while
(H+) and bicarbonate ions removing contaminated
(HCO3-). Being a diprotic clothing and shoes.
acid, it can form two kinds
INGESTION:
of salts, carbonates and
bicarbonates. Addition of If victim is conscious and
base to an excess of alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of
carbonic acid gives milk or water. Never give
anything by mouth to an
bicarbonate salts, while the
unconscious person. Get
addition of excess base to medical aid immediately.
carbonic acid gives
carbonate salts.
INHALATION:
Remove from exposure and
move to fresh air
immediately. If not
breathing, give artificial
respiration. If breathing is
difficult, give oxygen. Get
medical aid.
Notes to Physician: Treat
symptomatically and
supportively.

Hydrochloric Acid Physical Property: INHALATION: GET MEDICAL

Corrosive. May cause ATTENTION
HCl Colorless to light yellow
damage to mucous IMMEDIATELY.
water-soluble liquid with a
membranes in nose, throat,
pungent, irritating odor.
lungs and bronchial system. INHALATION:
Chemical Property: Remove to fresh air. If
INGESTION: breathing is difficult,
 Corrosive to metals, burns Corrosive. Harmful if administer oxygen. If the
skin swallowed. May produce victim is not breathing,
burns to the lips, oral perform mouth-to-mouth
cavity, upper airway, resuscitation. Get medical
esophagus and digestive attention immediately.
tract.
INGESTION:
SKINjCONTACT: Do not induce vomiting. If
Corrosive. Causes severe vomiting occurs, keep head
burns. low so that vomit does not
enter lungs. Never give
EYEjCONTACT: anything by mouth to an
Corrosive. Causes severe unconscious person.
burns. Vapor or spray may
cause eye damage, impaired SKIN CONTACT:
sight or blindness. Flush affected area with
plenty of water for at least
CHRONIC: 15 minutes. Remove
Corrosive. Prolonged contaminated clothing and
contact causes serious shoes. Wash clothing
tissue damage. before reuse. Get medical
attention immediately.

POTENTIAL
ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECT: May affect the
acidity (pH) in water with
risk of harmful effects to
aquatic organisms.
EYE CONTACT:
Check for and remove
contact lenses. Immediately
flush eyes with gentle but
large stream of water for at
least 15 minutes, lifting
lower and upper eyelids
occasionally. Get medical
attention immediately.

Phenolphthalein Physical Property: H351 - Suspected of INHALATION: Remove

causing cancer the victim into fresh air.
C20H14O4 Solid, odorless, white to
yellow in color, appears in SKIN: Rinse with water.
Capable of detonation or
crystalline solid or powder Soap may be used.
explosive reaction, but
Chemical Property: requires a strong initiating EYES:
source or must be heated
Insoluble in water and it Rinse with water. Do not
under.
sinks in water. Soluble in apply neutralizing agents.
ethanol,acetone, toluene, Take victim to an
Confinement before
and in bases. ophthalmologist if irritation
initiation, or reacts
persists.
explosively with water.
INGESTION:
 Rinse mouth with water.

GET MEDICAL AID

Water Physical Property: Non-toxic. ORAL:

Though first aid is not
H2O White crystals Non-hazardous.
generally required. Give a
Chemical Property: glass or water or seek
medical help.
Soluble in water
EYES:
Wash out immediately with
fresh running water. Ensure
complete irrigation of the
eye by keeping eyelids
apart and away from eye
and moving the eyelids by
occasionally lifting the
upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention without
delay; if pain persists or
recurs seek medical
attention. Removal of
contact lenses after an eye
injury should only be
undertaken by skilled
personnel.

SKIN:
Flush skin and hair with
running water (and soap if
available). Seek medical
attention in event of
irritation.

INHALATION:
If dust is inhaled, remove
from contaminated area.
Encourage patient to blow
nose to ensure clear passage
of breathing.

If irritation or discomfort
persists., seek medical
attention.

PROCEDURE:
 Diagram 1: Procedures for Experiment 1

Diagram 2: Procedures for Experiment 2

RESULTS:

Figure 1. Data Table - Observable Changes

Solution Type of Added Gas

Composition

Carbonic acid (H2CO3) Carbon dioxide (CO2)

from Carbon dioxide from Calcium
(CO2) and water (H2O) carbonate (CaCO3)
and Hydrochloric
acid (HCl) solution

Water with Pink basic solution Pink basic solution

 Limewater became a clear acidic became a clear acidic
[Ca(OH)2] and solution; underwent acid- solution; underwent
Phenolphthalein base reaction. acid-base reaction.

CONCLUSION(Written in this same order and in paragraph form):

The purpose of the first and second experiment was to observe the movement of gas particles and
its reaction with its environment. The first experiment observed the movement of gas particles by
introducing carbon dioxide to the indicator by blowing through the provided plastic straw. The second
experiment observed the movement of gas particles by producing carbon dioxide in an Erlenmeyer flask
and transferring it to another test tube. The reaction of gas to its environment was observed in both
experiments when the indicator changes color after carbon dioxide was introduced.

One of the major findings in the experiment is the constant motion of gas particles. During the
second experiment, the gas particles of carbon dioxide, although invisible to the naked eye, was able to
transfer to another test tube when held over or under another similar test tube. The presence of carbon
dioxide was tested by introducing an indicator solution into the test tubes containing carbon dioxide
prompting the solution to change color due to the presence of carbon dioxide. This occurrence correlates
to the second major finding of the experiment, which is that gas particles aren’t only in motion but also
react with its environment. This reaction is mainly observed in the first experiment wherein the indicator
changes color due to the reaction induced by introducing carbon dioxide into the solution, the same
occurrence was also observed in the second experiment when the indicator solution was introduced to
carbon dioxide.

During the first experiment, all four Erlenmeyer flasks contained similar amounts of the indicator
solution (pink). When carbon dioxide was introduced by blowing through a straw, all indicator solutions
turned colorless; an indicator is colorless in the presence of an acid. A similar occurrence was also
observed in the second experiment, when testing for the presence of carbon dioxide. These support the
finding that gas reacts with its environment.

During the second experiment, hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate were placed into an
Erlenmeyer flask, corked, then topped with an upside-down test tube to collect the carbon dioxide from
the reaction of the two samples through its diffusion from the bottom of the Erlenmeyer flask to the test
tube on top. The test tube was then removed and corked. An indicator solution was introduced into the
test tube to detect the presence of carbon dioxide. The indicator turns from pink to colorless, confirming
the presence of carbon dioxide. This supports the finding that gas particles are in constant motion.

The data from the experiment supports the research hypothesis. All the Erlenmeyer flasks
containing the lime water solution turned from pink to clear, as well as the lime water solution separated
into a test tube. In both cases, the solution changed colors due to the introduction of carbon dioxide. The
students hypothesized that the lime water solution, containing phenolphthalein, would change its color
from pink to colorless when carbon dioxide is mixed into the solution.

Phenolphthalein is an acid/base indicator. It is colorless when in an acid and pink in a base. Lime
water is a calcium hydroxide solution, which is a base. This caused the solution to turn pink when the
phenolphthalein was added. When exhaling into the solution, the carbon dioxide in a person's breath
reacts with the water to form carbonic acid. When enough carbonic acid is formed, it neutralizes the lime
water and makes the solution an acid. Therefore, the phenolphthalein turns colorless since it is now in an
acidic solution.

When hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate react, they produce calcium chloride, water, and
carbon dioxide. When this reaction takes place inside the Erlenmeyer flask, there is a high concentration
of carbon dioxide inside the Erlenmeyer flask. This high concentration of carbon dioxide diffuses into the
upside-down test tube above where there is low concentration of carbon dioxide. Why doesn’t the carbon
dioxide simply escape when the test tube is briefly removed? This is due to carbon dioxide being denser
compared to the air in the environment. At standard temperature and pressure, the combined density of
air is only 1.29 kilograms per cubic meter, but carbon dioxide has a density of 1.79 kilograms per cubic
meter.

For the first experiment, using different types of gases may help further widen the scope of the
experiment since it will allow students to observe the movement and reactions of different types of gases.
For the second experiment, transferring the gas to another test tube may be able to explain the relation of
density to the movement of gas particles.