Science Explorers
Science Explorers

Did you know that your household fire extinguisher uses chemicals and carbon dioxide to put out large fires? Let’s learn how it works with our fire extinguisher experiment for kids!

You can use basic household supplies to create enough carbon dioxide to put out a small flame. You will need adult supervision and an excitement about science!

Before You Get Started

Keep these tips in mind as you and your child prepare for this fire extinguisher experiment:

  • Fire safety should be taken very seriously. Make sure your child is supervised at all times.
  • Due to the chemicals in the fire extinguisher and the open flame, it may not be safe for young children to participate in the experiment. But they can still watch the magic of science happen!
  • Do not add too much vinegar to the container. Allow room for the baking soda to prevent the pressure from building too much.
  • Handle the container carefully to avoid losing the carbon dioxide.
  • Carbon dioxide is colorless and odorless. You will not be able to see it come out of the container, but you will definitely notice what it does!

Ingredients

  • Clear jar or bottle (with a hole punched in the lid)
  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Candle
  • Matches or lighter
  • Paper towels

Steps

  1. Set a paper towel underneath the jar to catch any ingredients that spill over.
  2. Pour the vinegar into the jar until it is halfway full.
  3. Drop a spoonful of baking soda into the glass. If you are using a lid, screw it on.
  4. While the mixture bubbles and foams, light the candle with your matches or lighter.
  5. Put the container next to the flame. Pour out the gas, but not the liquid. If using a lid with a hole, aim the hole at the flame.
  6. Be amazed as the candle goes out!
  7. Clean up any spills with the paper towels.

The Science Behind Fire Extinguishers

In this experiment, we produced a chemical reaction. We made carbon dioxide, which weighs more than oxygen. Fire needs oxygen and fuel to burn. Taking just one of these things away will make the fire go out. When we placed the carbon dioxide over the flame, the carbon dioxide replaced the oxygen. This caused the fire to die because it was not getting oxygen.

Now, try different things with these instructions and see what happens! Try different amounts of vinegar and baking soda to get more carbon dioxide. You may try using a smaller bottle. This allows less room for carbon dioxide, which will increase the pressure and make it shoot further. If you want to aim the fire extinguisher in a specific place, put a straw in the hole of your lid and secure it with duck tape.

Try More Cool Experiments With Science Explorers

If your child enjoyed this DIY fire extinguisher experiment, they can try many more with Science Explorers. We aim to make science fun and accessible to kids ages 4-11. Your child will learn more about science and get to take part in some pretty cool activities.

Science Explorers can help fuel your child’s love of science. Check out our website for more information about our  summer science camps  and  after school science clubs.

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