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Balloon Chemistry

A simple way to teach kids about chemical reactions is to show them through a classic balloon experiment.

For this, you will need a balloon, a plastic soda bottle, a small amount of vinegar and some baking soda. Place the vinegar in the bottle, and open the balloon enough to get about a spoonful of baking soda inside. Then stretch the balloon over the neck of the bottle, and turn the whole thing upside down. The baking soda will fall into the bottle, react with the vinegar, producing carbon dioxide. The balloon will then inflate, providing startling visual proof that something is happening when those two chemicals touch.

(Copyright 2010. WWJ Newsradio 950, All Rights Reserved. Content provided by Eastern Michigan University.)

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