- Conducting a temperature experiment with Alka-Seltzer requires several materials. In addition to the Alka-Seltzer tablets themselves, of which you'll need at least three, you must also have several clear cups, a measuring cup, a thermometer, a stop watch, hot water and ice cubes. A notebook and pen or pencil are required to record the amount of time the Alka-Seltzer tablets take to dissolve in each temperature of water.
- Fill one of the clear cups with the hottest water than will run from your tap. Use the thermometer and record the temperature of the water in your notebook before dropping one Alka-Seltzer tablet into the cup. Use the stop watch to measure the exact amount of time it takes for the Alka-Seltzer tablet to fully dissolve in the hot water. The reaction time, according to the Alka-Seltzer website, will be less than 15 seconds. Record the amount of time in your notebook. Repeat this process with room temperature and ice water, being sure to use clean cups. For the cold water trial, fill half the cup with water along with enough ice to fill the cup.
- This experiment demonstrates how Alka-Seltzer tablets dissolve at different rates in different water temperatures. Present your data in a graph that demonstrates the effect of the water temperature on the Alka-Seltzer's rate of reaction. Plot the temperature against the amount of time the tablets took to dissolve completely. Explore your results. Why do you think the tablet dissolve the fastest in hot water, and the slowest in cold water?
- For a more in-depth temperature experiment involving Alka-Seltzer, conduct this experiment involving different products, such as the original tablets, flavored tablets and tablets designed specifically for the treatment of heartburn. Test to see whether the reaction times at various temperatures differ among the different Alka-Seltzer products. You can also explore whether the type of cup has an impact on the results; conduct this experiment using plastic, glass and Styrofoam cups.
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