6. Reactions

reaction

In Journey 6, our final journey of Honors Chemistry, we studied reactions. We focused mainly on how to balance them properly, based on their reactions. In this journey, we learned how to use an ICE table. It is a useful tool to solve stoichiometry problems.

Hydrogen Bottle Rocket Experiment: To help us understand the concept of reactions and their products, we performed a hydrogen rocket experiment. For the experiment, we used an I.C.E. table to determine the amount of each molecule that we would use for the reaction. The materials we used were water, an empty two-liter soda bottle, tube, fire source, hydrogen gas, and oxygen. In the experiment, filled a plastic bottle water, used a tub filled with water, placed the bottle upside down into the bowl and lowered it, placed the tube into the bottle neck opening, filled the bottle with hydrogen gas, carefully lifted the bottle from the water, keeping it upside down, allowed air to enter remaining area, and placed cap back onto bottle. We then took the bottle outside and placed it onto a launch pad. We removed the cap and lit the mixture inside the bottle. The gases react with a loud bang. We then observed. We found that the expanding hot gas pushes the rocket making it fly. The water is pushed out the back, causing the rocket to launch into the air.

We concluded that when the mixture was ignited, the hydrogen reacted with oxygen and produced water.

2H2 + O2 → 2H2O + Heat

The stoichiometric ratio between hydrogen and oxygen in this reaction is two parts of hydrogen to one part of oxygen.

Our rocket can be compared to that of a larger space rocket. The same reaction of hydrogen combustion occurs with both.

As I finish up and write my last Honors Chemistry class portfolio, I realize that I am going to miss Chemistry and Ramsey very much. I learned so much information from him throughout the semester and really enjoyed the class. I am grateful for the experience and for having him as my teacher. I will be able to apply the knowledge I have acquired in Honors Chem as I move forward.