Carbon Dioxide's Effects on Temperature (Edmentum)
Task 2:
Carbon Dioxide's Effects on Temperature
In this activity, you will use sodium bicarbonate tablets to see the effects of carbon dioxide on temperature. Sodium bicarbonate tablets are effervescent tablets that release carbon dioxide when dissolved in water.
Estimated time to complete: 1 hour
You will need these materials:
2 empty two-liter plastic bottles (or two similar-sized plastic containers with tight-sealing lids), rinsed
2 thermometers (not mercury)
1 liter of water, room temperature
a ball of clay, about 2 inches in diameter (needed only if you’re using two-liter plastic bottles)
2 sodium bicarbonate tablets (such as Alka-Seltzer)
a lamp with a 150-watt incandescent bulb (if direct sunlight is not available)
Follow these steps to set up the experiment. Then answer the question in part A.
Fill both bottles with water until they are half full.
In one bottle, place two sodium bicarbonate tablets.
Plug the opening of the two bottles tightly with clay. The clay will act as the cap.
Place one thermometer in each bottle by carefully piercing it through the clay, so that the thermometer dangles in the air inside the bottle. Stay safe: do not use mercury thermometers in the event that they might break. The bottles must remain tightly sealed. The thermometer must not touch the water.
Put both bottles in front of the lamp or in direct sunlight. Turn on the lamp and let the bottles stand for one hour. Stay safe: To avoid electrocution, keep all water away from electrical sources.
Hypothesis and Data Collection
Part A
Write down your predictions. After an hour, do you think there will be a temperature difference between the two bottles? Explain.
Part B
After one hour, record the temperatures. Write down your results.
Analyze and Extend
Part A
Was your prediction about the temperatures in the two bottles correct? Explain.
Part B
In your experiment, what is the dependent variable and what is the independent variable?
Part C
The tablets were a source of carbon dioxide. What can you conclude about the effect carbon dioxide has in the atmosphere?
Part D
The burning of fossil fuels, such as gasoline, coal, and oil, increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Based on your experiment, what effects could this burning have on Earth’s temperature?
Part E
Mary is concerned about greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. She wants to buy an electric car that doesn’t use gasoline at all. What questions should Mary ask about electric cars to ensure that she is making a good choice for the environment?
Dispose of your waste properly:
Pour the water down the drain.
Rinse and recycle the plastic bottles.
Reuse the clay or place it in the trash.
