Question

a student wants to create a liquid volcano. the student observes bubbles in the soft drink prior to opening it. the student first proceeds to open the soft drink bottle and place it on the floor. next the student drops candy tablets into the drink at a continuous pace. the student notices a very powerful reaction in which the candies, still intact, are pushed out of the soda as the drink fizzes and starts to bubble. in this scenario, what would be the catalyst?
the candy tablets being added to the drink.
the gasses being released when the drink was first opened.
the liquid in the container.
the container that holds the liquid.

Explanation:

Step1: Understand the role of a catalyst

A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the reaction.

Step2: Analyze each option

• The container that holds the liquid: Just a vessel, no catalytic role.
• The liquid in the container: The solvent, not a catalyst.
• The gasses being released when the drink was first opened: These are the result of a physical change (pressure release), not a catalyst.
• The candy tablets being added to the drink: These speed up the fizzing (chemical reaction), acting as a catalyst.

Answer:

The candy tablets being added to the drink.