Bath Bombs

Concept: Neutralization Reaction
The pH scale indicates the kid of ions a solution releases when it breaks down. Acidic solutions possess lots of hydrogen ions and basic solutions possess lots of hydroxide ions. Acidic substances have a pH below 7. Basic substances have a pH above 7. Neutral substances have a pH of 7. When acidic and basic substances interact and form a salt, a chemical reaction called a neutralization reaction occurs.

Read Aloud: DIY Kitchen Chemistry: Simple Homemade Bath & Body Products by Kayla Fioravanti

Ingredients:

      ·        1 tbl. Baking Soda

      ·        1 tbl. Citric Acid

      ·         Scented Oil

      ·         Water
      ·         Molds

 Demonstration:

      ·         Pour 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a plastic bowl.
      ·         Add 1 tablespoon of citric acid to the bowl. Mix the baking soda and the citric acid together.
      ·         Add 3 drops of scented oil to the bowl. Mix again.

      ·         Using a water bottle, spray the mixture about 10-12 times, stirring after every 2 sprays, until the mixture begins to clump. Do not add enough water to make the mixture fizz.

      ·         Pack the mixture into a plastic mold and allow to dry out and harden overnight.

Experiment:

·         Will the bath bombs dissolve in other liquids besides water?

·         Does the temperature of the water affect how the bath bomb dissolves?

Observations: 
When the bath bomb is dissolved in water, a neutralization reaction occurs between the baking soda (a base) and the citric acid (an acid). The result is a salt called sodium citrate. This reaction also produces carbon dioxide (a gas), which bubbles up to the surface of the water and causes the bath bomb to fizz and release the scented oil into the bath water.