Make-Your-Own Sherbert

A reaction in your mouth.

 

 

 

Category - Chemicals & Reactions

Key Idea - Acids & Bases

 

Purpose - A tasty way to help students to appreciate the reaction between acids and carbonates.
Nature -  Class Practical
Materials -  Large plastic or paper cup, spoon, Tartaric acid , Citric acid, Bicarb Soda (Sodium bicarbonate NaHCO3), icing sugar
Method - 

  1. In the plastic cup mix :-

              1.5 g Citric acid (¼ teaspoon)

              1.5 g Tartaric acid (¼ teaspoon)

              3 g Bicarb Soda (½ teaspoon)

              150 g Icing Sugar (¾ cup)

  2. Stir ingredients well.
  3. Taste small amounts and notice sensation.
Safety - Be sure to use equipment that is suitable use with food (that is to say not regular lab apparatus).  
Explanation - Acids and carbonates react together to form carbon dioxide bubbles.  The moisture in your mouth enables these two substances to react and bubble are produced on your tongue.  
Notes - If you eat large amounts of the sherbert too quickly you will get a carbon dioxide build up in your stomach, causing excessive burping - you have been warned!

All ages of kids love this one, especially for the chance to eat something sweet.  

The icing sugar is in the mix because the other ingredients do not taste great, and also are only needed in small amounts.

This is a common mixture sold to children around the world.  In Australia is is called "Fizz-Wizz".  Do not confuse this with sherbet, which is an ice confection related to sorbet.