How to Experiment With Gas as a Phase of Matter

Fire Extinguisher

• 1

  Place a candle in one of the paper cups and light it.

• 2

  Sprinkle two teaspoons of baking soda into the other cup.

• 3

  Pour two tablespoons of vinegar into the cup. The baking soda and vinegar will begin to fizz, and when the bubbles pop, they will release carbon dioxide.

• 4

  Turn the cup on its side over the lit candle so that the carbon dioxide "pours" out of the cup and onto the candle. Do not pour any liquid out of the cup. The gas will extinguish the flame.

• 5

  Check to make sure each candle is out. If any are still lit, pour the cup of water onto them and dispose of all trash properly.

Balloon Blow-Up

• 6

  Pour a cup of vinegar into each soda bottle using a funnel.

• 7

  Spoon 3 teaspoons of baking soda into the balloon.

• 8

  Stretch the end of the balloon over the bottle without spilling the baking soda into the bottle. When the balloon is secured to the bottle opening, turn the balloon up so that the baking soda spills into the bottle all at once. The baking soda and vinegar will combine and produce carbon dioxide, which will fill the bottle and inflate the balloon.