Portable syringe-vial kit of gas-generating reactions for easy demonstration of chemical reaction rate

Abstract

In this article, a low-cost, portable syringe-vial experimental activity of gas-generating reactions is reported for easy illustration of the concept of chemical reaction rate in a regular classroom context. The equipment setup consists of a Luer-lock plastic syringe, a vial and its screw-cap connected to a syringe by a 3-way Luer-lock stopcock for the quantification of the gaseous product generated from the reaction. To operate the kit, an acid solution is first poured into the vial, then a plastic container of sodium bicarbonate is carefully floated on the solution. All three components of the kit are gently connected together. Finally, the vial is shaken to start the reaction and then the volume of the gas product is collected in the syringe versus time. This activity allows students to easily investigate the rate of reaction and also concentrations affecting it by plotting a relation between volume of gas product with time.