The reaction is described by Equation 1 below: In other words, carbon dioxide gas is a product of this reaction. (An ion is a molecule that has a charge, either positive or negative.) The bicarbonate reacts with hydrogen ions (H +) from citric acid (another ingredient in the tablets) to form carbon dioxide gas and water. When sodium bicarbonate dissolves in water, it dissociates (splits apart) into sodium (Na +) and bicarbonate (HCO 3) ions. To take the tablets, they should be fully dissolved in a glass of water.
The pain reliever used is aspirin and the antacid used is baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO 3). However, with Alka-Seltzer, the CO 2 is produced by a chemical reaction that occurs when the tablets dissolve in water.Īlka-Seltzer is a medical drug that works as a pain reliever and an antacid (antacids help neutralize stomach acidity, such as heartburn). And like a soda, the bubbles are carbon dioxide gas (CO 2). You may have seen a television commercial for Alka-Seltzer tablets or heard one of their advertising slogans: “Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is!” When you drop the tablets in water, they make a lot of bubbles, like an extra-fizzy soda, as shown in the main image up top (Figure 1). Safety: Adult supervision may be needed when working with hot water solutionsĬredits: Andrew Olson, PhD, Science Buddies edited by Svenja Lohner, PhD, Science Buddies Objective: To measure the effect of temperature on the rate of a chemical reactionĪreas of science: Chemistry, science with your smartphone
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