Lab Problem

In modern automobiles, a crash prevention safety feature is the airbag. Contrary to what most people believe, which is that the gas comes from the compressed air tank, these airbags are filled with a gas which results from a rapid chemical reaction. In this problem, you will be simulating this process through another chemical reaction; your airbag will be zip-type plastic bag.


Your task is to use baking soda (NaHCO3) and vinegar to generate a gas that will help to just fill a small zip-type plastic bag. The ideal result will be to fill the bag to plumpness, not to overinflate or underinflate the bag; the bag may also contain unreacted chemicals and/or other products of the reaction. You will be asked to describe the method you developed to solve this problem.

A. Materials and Equipment
Each student should have available the following equipment and materials (at home use measuring cups and spoons):
2 zip-type plastic bags, 1 quart size (0.95 L)
1 10mL graduated cylinder
1 100mL graduated cylinder
1 500mL graduated cylinder
1 400mL beaker

Spatula or scoop (can easily be prepared by making a diagonal cut across the bulb of a thin-stemmed Beral-type pipet)
weighing boats, weighing papers, or small watch glasses plastic tubs (or easy access to sinks)
students should have access to a balance, capable of weighing an object to the nearest .01 gram, with a capacity of at least 50.0 grams.
safety goggles
lab coat or apron
(use measuring cups and spoons at home)

B. Chemicals
baking soda, NaHCO3, vinegar at home, tap water

My purpose here is for you to observe manipulative challenges and general idea of how to do the experiment in class. When you do it in class you will use 0.5 M HCl and baking soda.

Plan the airbag written in black or blue permanent ink in your lab book. Show calculations, reaction, materials required and procedure.