CraftPals
Dancing Mothballs

Bonny posted Message 2186 in the CraftPals All Crafts BB
Dated : December 03, 1998 at 15:27:03
Subject: Dancing Mothballs

###I was reminded of this thing that we used to do years ago, when I saw someone ask about it on another bb.
You put mothballs into water. (has to be in a clear glass container so you can see the mothballs "dance")
Then you add some vinegar and some baking soda.
The amounts are not exact, so you have to experiment a bit to get the effect, it depends upon the size of the container and the amount of water you use.
The water can also be tinted with food coloring.
The chemical action of the vinegar and soda causes carbon dioxide bubbles to form around the mothballs;
this carries the mothballs to the water surface, where the bubbles are released, and the mothballs sink back to the bottom.

##This is very amusing for children, but must be supervised by an adult. Mothballs are not good for children to handle or put in their mouths.
The carbon dioxide is not harmful, so there is no need to worry about that.
This "craft" (if you can call it that) is fun and easy to do. Hope someone will enjoy it. bye Bonny (Granny)

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