Activities | Chemistry and Biotechnology

Volcanic lava

Procedure:

In a first phase the participants moulded volcanos out of clay. They were allowed to dry in the oven. 

In a second phase the participants prepared the lava of the volcano.  To this end, they mixed small portions of:

• sodium bicarbonate (or baking soda);
• laundry detergent;
• yellow dye;
• red dye.

They put vinegar in the volcanic cone up to a quarter of its height.

Joined the volcanic mix to the vinegar.

 
And saw the outcome: a mini volcanic eruption.

Explanation:

When you add the mix to the vinegar you put the baking soda, an alkaline substance, in contact with the vinegar, an acid substance. The reaction forms millions of bubbles of carbon dioxide that drag the volcanic "lava" down with them. 

Activity instructors:  Isabel Silva, Sofia Duarte (Lab.EQ)