Science at home - volcano eruption

Volcano eruption

You will need:

• warm water
• distilled malt vinegar
• bicarbonate of soda/baking soda
• red food colouring
• empty plastic bottle (0.5 l)
• washing-up liquid
• tray

Method:

1. Place the bottle on the tray.
2. Pour warm water into the bottle until it is about three-quarters full.
3. Add two heaped tablespoons of baking soda. Cover the top and shake so that the baking soda fully dissolves.
4. Add five drops of red food colouring then a big drop of washing-up liquid.
5. Pour vinegar into the bottle until your volcano starts erupting. If it stops, pour in more vinegar.

Safety: be careful when your volcano starts erupting. Keep the vinegar out of your eyes.

How does it work?

Research: acid and base reactions