Procedure

Notes for safety: 

  • Pure acetic acid is very strong, and is a skin, eye, and respiratory irritant, even in vapour form.  Wear gloves and goggles and use the fume hood at all times when handling it.  It also smells very strongly, and it can be harmful if breathed in, so use caution.
  • Glycerol is an eye and respiratory irritant, though not as dangerous as acetic acid.  Use the safety equipment with the glycerol, too.
  • Dry ice is around -60ºC, so you’ll need to use a scoop or something for it.
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    1. Take the bottom of the pop bottle, with sponge and fishing wire and all, off the setup, and set under the fume hood
    2. Open the jug of acetic acid and pour into the bottom of the bottle until the sponge is wet, but not dripping
    3. Set the bottom of the pop bottle back in place (tape or secure on if you wish, or if it’s wobbly)
    4. Fill the sides around the pop bottle with dry ice
    5. Wait 15-30 minutes
    6. Take pictures if desired
    7. Repeat with more acetic acid, glycerol, and water
    8. To clean up, wash all sponges and bottles out in the sink, then throw the whole setup away