Everyday Chemistry Quiz: 15 Practical Questions
Chemistry is everywhere in our daily lives: in the kitchen, the bathroom, the garden and even on our plates. From soap to rust, can you explain these everyday reactions?
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Frequently asked questions: Everyday Chemistry
A preview of what awaits you in this everyday chemistry quiz: 15 multiple choice questions, each with a detailed explanation so you learn as you play. Here are a few sample questions (and their answers, no peeking before you play!).
Which gas is released when you mix vinegar and bicarbonate of soda?
Answer: Carbon dioxide. Mixing vinegar (acetic acid) and bicarbonate of soda produces carbon dioxide (CO2), water and sodium acetate. This fizzing reaction is the one used in the papier-mâché volcanoes at science fairs.
Why does lemon make milk curdle?
Answer: Because its acidity makes the milk proteins precipitate. The citric acid in lemon lowers the pH of milk, which causes casein, the main protein in milk, to denature and coagulate. The same principle is used to make some fresh cheeses.
Why do onions make you cry?
Answer: Because they release a sulphurous gas that irritates the eyes. When an onion is cut, its cells release syn-propanethial-S-oxide, a volatile sulphurous gas. On contact with the moisture in the eyes, it forms dilute sulphuric acid, which irritates the nerve endings and triggers tears.
What is the approximate pH of white vinegar?
Answer: pH 2-3. White vinegar has a pH of about 2 to 3, which makes it a moderate acid. It contains about 5 to 8% acetic acid. This acidity is what makes it effective as a household cleaner and a food preservative.
Which gas is responsible for the bubbles in fizzy drinks?
Answer: Carbon dioxide. The bubbles in fizzy drinks are carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolved under pressure. When the bottle is opened, the pressure drops and the CO2 escapes as bubbles. As it dissolves in water, it also forms carbonic acid, which is responsible for the tingling taste.
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