Unit 4 Home Experiment

Percent of Sodium bicarbonate in an Alka-Seltzer Tablet
(15 points)

 
If you worked in a group, make sure to include the names of all who worked with you on your report.

Purpose: You will determine the percent by mass of sodium bicarbonate in an alka seltzer tablet.


Background: Alka-Seltzer Tablets consist of mainly of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid (H3C6H5O7) (loses 3 H+=s, the citrate ion is C6H5O7-3).  When dissolved in water, a neutralization reaction occurs between the two.

Procedure: Design an experiment to measure the percentage of sodium bicarbonate.

 
  1. You should start by writing an equation for the reaction between sodium bicarbonate and citric acid when they both become dissolved in water. (include states).
  2. Write up a procedure.  
  1. Set up a data table of all measurements you will need to record before you perform the experiment.
  2. Bring your data table, procedure, and alka seltzer (or generic version)  tablet to class with you. You can use my equipment during flex, before, or after school to collect data
  3. Write up your results, showing how you arrived at your answers and discuss how valid you think your results are and why.