Module 5 Intro

Module 5—Acids and Bases

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Try This: Cream of Tartar

In Lesson 2 of this module you prepared a report describing the purpose for some of the ingredients in your favourite recipes or foods. Cream of tartar is a white powder that is often used when baking. In this activity you will investigate the question: What are the chemical properties of cream of tartar?

Complete the steps in the procedure below. Record your data in a form that will enable you to share it with other students in your class discussion area. Complete the questions below.
 
Step 1: Obtain three cups or glasses. In the first cup, add 1.25 mL (¼ teaspoon) of baking soda. In the second cup, add 1.25 mL (¼ teaspoon) of cream of tartar. In the third cup, add 1.25 mL (¼ teaspoon) of baking soda and 1.25 mL (¼ teaspoon) of cream of tartar.

Step 2: Add 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of water to the cup with the baking soda. Record your observations.

Step 3: Repeat step 2 by adding 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of water to each of the remaining cups.

Questions:

TR 1.    Baking soda is made from sodium hydrogen carbonate, which is known to have basic properties. Predict the chemical nature of cream of tartar. Use your recorded observations to support your prediction.

TR 2.    Describe a series of tests you could perform that will confirm your prediction in question TR 1. Include the expected results of these tests that will confirm your prediction.

Include a copy of your observations with your answers to the questions. Post your observations and answers to the Discussion area for your class.

Later in this lesson you will be given further instructions and use the postings of other students to complete the Reflect and Connect activity for this lesson.