In this DIY fire extinguisher experiment kids mix two simple kitchen ingredients together to make a small flame go out. This is a fast science experiment and an impressive kitchen science experiment that will not be forgotten!
Why does a candle go out when you blow on it?
One of the possible explanations is that when you exhale you breathe out a lot of carbon dioxide. That carbon dioxide displaces the oxygen around the fire, making it go out. Some fire extinguishers even use carbon dioxide (among other chemicals) to put out larger fires.
In this experiment you will learn how to make a fire extinguisher with baking soda and vinegar. The reaction of these two materials produces carbon dioxide, which you can see bubbling up through the solution. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air so it drops right on top of our candle to put the flame out! Pretty cool!
DIY Fire Extinguisher Experiment
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- A sturdy bottle (preferably glass)
- A funnel
- A small candle
- Matches
- 5 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp baking soda
- Have an adult light the candle.
- Add vinegar to the bottle.
- Using a funnel, quickly drop the baking soda into the bottle.
- Being careful not to spill the mixture, hold the bottle at an angle so the carbon dioxide can flow out onto the fire.
- Notice how carbon dioxide is heavier than air and drops right onto the flame to extinguish it!
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What a great way to teach fire safety!
Thanks! It’s pretty fun 🙂
How neat! My kids will love this. Thanks for sharing!
Tim @sciencekiddo.com Families Again
Thanks for stopping by!
Looks like a fun way of getting across how a fire extinguisher works. Thanks for posting, Tom Fletcher, Director, http://www.jacksonfirecambridge.co.uk
Hi! This is a great experiment. I am doing a science experiment in school as a related experiment. In our doc, we need to know where this experiment took place (city). Thanks. Let me know
We’re in Portland, Oregon. Glad you enjoyed it!