Endothermic Chemical Reaction To Make A Colder More Efficient And Affordable Ice Pack

Making A Better More Efficient And Cheaper Cold Pack

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Presenter Information(s)

Reuben Friedlander

Abstract or Description

Ice packs are cold due to endothermic reactions. Endothermic reactions happen in ice packs when the chemicals come in contact with water. It absorbs the energy from around it and then turns its surroundings cold. I chose three different chemicals-barium hydroxide ammonium thiocyanate and ammonium chloride-for my experiment. When the chemicals are mixed, an endothermic reaction starts. Each of the coldest points of the endothermic reaction was recorded. In the project, I think 1 gram ammonium thiocyanate with 3 grams of barium hydroxide will be the most effective and coldest chemical reaction. The temperature change that exceeded my expectations was the combination of 3 g of both barium hydroxide and ammonium chloride. This got to a temperature of -18.3 degrees Celsius. Based on my research of commercial ice packs I had hypothesized that ammonium thiocyanate with barium hydroxide would be the coldest.  Sadly, my hypothesis was not supported by the data. While they were not the coldest they were the most consistent. In almost all circumstances you will want the most consistent and long-lasting ice pack.