MadSci Network: Chemistry |
My students were performing a lab to investigate the concept of conservation of mass. When they mixed baking soda and vinegar (as well as hydrochloric and sulfuric acids) in a sealed plastic bag, the products invariably lost a small amount of mass. We discussed bouyancy of the gas evolved, but decided that carbon dioxide was heavier than air, not lighter. I could not explain this loss of mass. Any ideas? Our procedure; 1. place approx 4 grams of baking soda in a ziplock bag. 2. fill a micropipette with vinegar, place in bag. 3. mass the system. 4. without opening the bag, squeeze the pipette and mix the reactants. 5. after two minutes, mass the system again and compare masses. Thanks! Gary K. Webber
Re: Is mass conserved in a reaction between vinegar and baking soda?
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