AbdulazizAlnaim, Mike Hodgen, Galen Peterson Reaction Car CBEE 101 AbdulazizAlnaim, Mike Hodgen, Galen Peterson

Reaction Chemistry 1 Our group tried several different ways to power the car, the first two were Redox. First with lemons: A lemon had a Magnesium and Copper strip placed into either ends, and a wire and voltmeter was used to complete the circuit: which is the equation Mg → Mg2+ + 2 e- at the Mg anode ( Mg oxidized) 2H++ 2e- → H2. at Cu Cathode ( H from citric acid reduced) However the voltmeter indicated a voltage below 1.5V ( amount needed to run motor) being produced, so the lemon was scrapped, and a stronger battery was tried.

Reaction Chemistry 2 The second Battery method tried was a Sulfuric acid with a Potassium Iodide salt bridge Or Galvanic Cell. Another Redox reaction: Mg → Mg2+ + 2 e- Cu2+ + 2 e- → Cu Unfortunately, the Galvanic cell wouldn’t produce enough voltage either, so we decided to do a common Double Replacement due to simplicity

Reaction Chemistry 3 The first double replacement reaction we tried was Sulfuric acid and Calcium Carbonate CaCO3 + H2SO4 = CaSO4 + H2O + CO2 Included in our design would be paddle wheels connected to the rear axle to propel the car, like a water wheel. However during the first test of the car an accident occurred and we decided to use a safer alternative, Baking Soda and Vinegar CH3COOH + NaHCO3 = CH3COONa + CO2 + H2O 12 grams of baking soda, and 160 ml of 5% acetic acid, was used and gave a little under 5 atm. of pressure ( maximum propel bottle can hold).

Car design For the final car design, all that added weight, or was unnecessary was removed. Such as the paddle wheel, and extra nozzle design. This car was the only one that moved on it’s own. The short wheel base provided ease of energy transfer, and the normal propel nozzle made quick addition of the Baking soda possible

Testing Results Reaction Redox Sulfuric Acid/Calcium Carbonate Baking Soda/Vinegar Powered by Lemon (Redox) Galvanic Cell (Redox) H2SO4&CaCO3(Douple Replacement) CH3COOH + NaHCO3 Car Design # Car 1 Car 2 Car 3 Car 4 Distance Travelled (in)   Trial # 1 0 in. (Not Enough Voltage) 0 in. (Accident stopped testing) 0 in. Trial # 2 Trial # 3 4 in.

Conclusions The lemon and the galvanic cell reactions failed mainly because they didn’t provide enough energy to operate the motor. Considering the sulfuric acid and the calcium carbonate reaction, it could have produced the amount of carbon dioxide we needed but unfortunately we didn’t have the time to perfect the car design so that it would be safer to use the sulfuric acid. The problem with vinegar and baking soda reaction is that we didn’t give it enough time to react completely and produce the maximum amount of carbon dioxide. If we had more time we probably would try to modify the car design and try using sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid.