======Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher======


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**Alternative titles:** Fire Extinguisher, Vinegar and Baking Soda
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Place candles in a clear glass beaker or bowl.  
  - Light all the candles carefully.  
  - In a separate large beaker or bowl with a spout, add about 4 teaspoons of baking soda.  
  - Pour in approximately 1 cup of vinegar.  
  - Allow the reaction to proceed for about one minute, letting carbon dioxide gas accumulate above the liquid.  
  - Gently tilt and "pour" the invisible gas from the reaction container over the burning candles, without spilling the liquid.  
  - Observe the flames extinguish as the carbon dioxide displaces oxygen around the candles.  




====Links==== 
Extinguish Fire with Carbon Dioxide experiment - Kids Fun Science: 
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📄 Fire vs. Fizz: Using carbon dioxide to extinguish a flame - Small Step For STEM: [[https://www.smallstepforstem.com/fire-fizz-carbon-dioxide/]]\\



====Variations====
  * Use different sizes of containers to show how much gas is needed to put out the flames.  
  * Try extinguishing just a few candles first, then increase the number.  
  * Compare the effect of exhaling (carbon dioxide from breath) over a candle with the baking soda and vinegar reaction.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Use caution with open flames—tie back long hair and secure loose clothing.  
  * Keep flammable substances away from the flames.  
  * Be careful with hot liquid wax, which can cause burns.  
  * Have an operational fire extinguisher in the classroom for emergencies.




====Questions to Consider====
  * What evidence shows that a chemical reaction occurred between baking soda and vinegar?  
  * Why does carbon dioxide gas put out the flames?  
  * How is carbon dioxide different from air in terms of density?  
  * What are the reactants and products in this chemical reaction?  
  * How is this demonstration similar to how real fire extinguishers work?