Hooked on Science: Chemical reaction splash

Use science to create a work of art.

Materials

• Alka Seltzer
• Film canister
• Water
• Food coloring
• 8-by-10-inch white watercolor canvas

Instructions

STEP 1: Pour water into the film canister until it is half full. Change the color of the water by adding food coloring.

STEP 2: Place an Alka Seltzer tablet into the film canister, snap on the lid, quickly flip it upside down on the white watercolor canvas and observe.

Explanation

Carbon dioxide gas is produced as a result of a chemical reaction between the water and Alka Seltzer tablet. The carbon dioxide gas builds up pressure until there is enough force to launch the film canister into the air. The colored water is uniquely splashed onto the white watercolor canvas, creating a science masterpiece.

Jason Lindsey is a science outreach educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his website hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments.