Page 9 - My discovery Lab Volume 1/ Issue 1

(5) Place half inside and close
the lid quickly.
Make sure it’s
on tight

(6) Give it a little shake,
then turn the canister
with the lid facing down
and place on your
tray or plate

(7) Step back and
watch your explosion

ADULT SAFETY CHECK :
Make sure your little ones don’t put the vitamin C tablets in their mouth. They should also have their safety
glasses on to prevent any fizzing liquid coming into contact with their eyes. Stand at least 2 metres away.

HOW DOES IT WORK?:
The vitamin C tablet is an effervescent, which means it reacts with water. It fizzes and gives off a gas called carbon
dioxide. As the gas builds up, it creates pressure inside. Pressure pushes down on the lid, creating a force to push
the canister upwards into the air. The upward force is called thrust.

TIME TO EXPLORE: – Compare the difference between using ¼, ½, ¾, and a full tablet.
What about trying different amounts of water?

Professor Nicky’s top tip

Only investigate one factor at a time i.e. if you change the amount of water
keep the size of the tablet the same. That way you can accurately compare the

effect of different amounts of water.

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