Welcome to Steve Spangler Science. Skip directly to: main content, navigation, search box.

The Power of Carbon Dioxide Amonia, ink & a fire extinguisher demonstrate the secret behind acids & bases 
print this page


If you've ever taken a chemistry class, you probably remember doing experiments with color-changing liquids. While it looked like magic, the secret was something called acids and bases.

Spraying or painting with ammonia (the base) on a special paper called Goldenrod paper will turn the paper red. Let the paper dry, and the carbon dioxide (the acid) in the air will turn the paper back to its original color.

Squirt disappearing ink on clothing and the carbon dioxide in the air will restore the fabric back to its original color. Or, if you are Steve Spangler you use a fire extinguisher to speed up the process.

1 2 3 4 5

Rating:0/5 (0 Reviews)