What's That Fizz? Does the Weight Change When Gas Fizzes Away?
Sim Lesson
Students use the What's that Fizz? simulation to run the baking-soda-and-vinegar reaction with the gas trapped and then with the gas escaping, comparing the weight on the scale each time. Lesson Purpose Students often think weight disappears when a gas fizzes away. Comparing a sealed jar with an open jar shows the matter is still there; the weight only drops because the gas left.
When you mix baking soda and vinegar, it fizzes and bubbles like crazy. If you weigh everything before and after, does the weight change? What happens to the fizzing gas? In this lesson, you will use the What's that Fizz? simulation to mix baking soda and vinegar in a sealed jar and an open jar and watch the scale.
Topics and standards: Science, Chemistry, Physical Science, Simulation, Gas Laws, Grades 3-5, 5-PS1-2, Chemical Reactions & Processes, Matter & Its Interactions, Properties of Matter, 5-PS1-2, SC.4.P.8.3, TEKS Science 5.6.C, 3.2.5.D