In my own little experiment, I explored what Open AI (artificial intelligence) might generate in response to the prompt for a “safe chemical demonstration that can be done at home.” Many of the initial ChatGPT responses were for activities that have previously appeared in ChemShorts for Kids!

The activity described below using baking soda and vinegar is based on the third or fourth idea generated. Although similar experiments are quite well known, this activity is suitable for a more quantitative approach, if desired (see the Extensions). Please note however, that the original AI “procedure” has been modified in two very important ways. First, and crucially from a safety standpoint, the AI response featured an absurd ratio of baking soda and vinegar. Secondly, the AI version had the chemicals added in the reverse order. Like all ChemShorts for Kids activities, the procedure shown below has been tested to ensure that it is safe and effective.

Materials

Baking soda, 1 tbsp.
Balloon
Measuring cup
Plastic water bottle, empty
Tablespoon (measuring spoon)
Vinegar, 1 cup
Optional: Funnel

Be Safe

If you get vinegar on a cut or sore, it will sting. Be careful not to get vinegar in your eyes. Do not inhale the gas produced. Adult supervision is recommended.  

Experiment

Pour 1 cup of vinegar into the empty bottle. Using a funnel if available, add a tablespoon of baking soda into the balloon. Without tipping the balloon, stretch the opening of the balloon to fit over the opening of the bottle. When you are ready to observe, tip the balloon upside down so its contents will pour into the bottle containing the vinegar. Observe. 

What’s happening?

You should have seen bubbles come from the reaction immediately. The bubbles are a gas called carbon dioxide and the reaction that takes place is an acid (vinegar, HC₂H₃O₂) reacting with a base (baking soda, NaHCO₃) to form sodium acetate (NaC₂H₃O₂) and carbonic acid (H₂CO₃). Carbonic acid immediately breaks down into carbon   dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).  

HC₂H₃O₂ + NaHCO₃ → H₂O + CO₂ + NaC₂H₃O₂

CO₂ is a gas that causes the balloon to inflate.

The quantities of reactants (baking soda and vinegar) used are about equal in terms of how many molecules of each are present. (Molecules are very tiny: there’s actually about 1.2 × 10²³ molecules of each reactant.) That also means we generated about 1.2 × 10²³ molecules of CO₂ gas. Because gas molecules take up so much more space (volume) than liquids and solids, the balloon expands and inflates to contain all of those molecules of CO₂ gas.

Extensions

Try doubling or halving the amount of baking soda to see what effect that has on the size of the inflated balloon. Another semi-quantitative modification would be to run the reaction at different temperatures. Other possible variations include adding an acid/base indicator (red cabbage juice), to make it more colorful, and exploring other household acids and bases, such as lemon juice, baking powder, washing soda, etc.

Using ChatGPT

The ChatGPT responses were generally suitable for children to perform at home. The quantities suggested for this particular activity were NOT realistic however! If you want to use AI for idea-generating purposes, ALWAYS search online for a documented, tested procedure, and independently VERIFY all safety considerations before doing any activity.

References

https://teachbesideme.com/amazing-self-inflating-balloon/

To view past “ChemShorts for Kids” activities, go to:
https://chicagoacs.org/ChemShorts.

- PAUL BRANDT