Homemade Fire Extinguisher
This experiment explores the process of combustion. To begin, pour a layer of baking soda in a glass bowl.
Place a candle inside the bowl. Carefully light the candle.
SLOWLY pour vinegar along the inside of the bowl into the baking soda so that bubbles do not rise over the flame.
Why did the flame go out as the bubbles formed? Carbon dioxide was produced from the reaction of the vinegar (an acid) with the baking soda (a carbonate). Carbon dioxide is denser than oxygen-containing air. So as the reaction took place, the carbon dioxide layer reached the flame. Without oxygen, fire is impossible!
