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How to Create a Volcanic Eruption with Baking Soda

Baking soda volcanoes are fun and easy projects for the whole family. These volcanoes take advantage of the chemical reaction that happens when baking soda is combined with vinegar. This combination creates carbon dioxide, which causes pressure to build up and eventually erupt in the form of gas bubbles. You can use this project to demonstrate the principles of eruption, or just a fun distraction at home. A few simple steps can help you create a baking soda eruption at home.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 tablespoons baking soda
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • Volcano
  • Red food dye
  • Container
  • Newspaper
  • Six drops of dish soap
  • Funnel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a container for the reaction. You can do this by using molding clay or dough or by creating one out of paper mache. You can even purchase pre-made volcanoes from craft stores or online. However, a regular plastic bottle will suffice. Regardless, your container should form a cone with a recess at the top deep enough to hold the baking powder and vinegar. Put it on a tabletop or counter where it can safely overflow. Put down newspaper if you need to.

    • 2

      Use a funnel to pour the baking powder into the bottom of the recess.

    • 3

      Mix a few drops of red food dye with vinegar in a separate container. This addition will give your eruption the appearance of real lava.

    • 4

      Add six drops of dish soap if you want your eruption to have more bubbles.

    • 5

      Pour the vinegar mixture into your volcano using the funnel. Quickly remove the funnel and stand back to watch the eruption.

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