Predicting the Chemical Reaction
In order for the reaction to occur the bath bomb needs to come in contact with water (H2O). The bath bomb is composed of citric acid a weak acid and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) which is a base. It is known that when a acid and a base are mixed in the presence of water a neutralization reaction occurs where a salt and carbon dioxide is produced. The water will allow the two compounds to dissolve into ions. The citric acid will release hydrogen ions since it is an acidic solution and the sodium bicarbonate will accept these hydrocarbons since it is basic forming a carboxylic acid. In the water the carboxylic acid will decompose quickly into carbon dioxide which is released in the form of bubbles. As this reaction undergoes there will be a smell of orange released. All together there will be bubbles, fizzing, a relaxing color and a beautiful smell added to any bath and one will forget they are sitting in a chemical reaction.