Question

A student wants to compare the amounts of CO2 given off by yeast provided

with different amounts of sugar. The student places a balloon over each
container to catch the released CO2. How can the student make quantitative
observations of the CO2 collected in the balloons?
D

Answer 1

To quantitatively observe
`CO_2` collected in balloons, the student can measure the balloon circumference, use a gas pressure sensor, employ a water displacement technique, or weigh the setup to determine mass loss due to gas production.

Step-by-step explanation:

To make quantitative observations of the
`CO_2` collected in the balloons in an experiment where yeast is provided with different amounts of sugar, the student could use several methods:

• Measure the circumference or diameter of the balloon. As more
  `CO_2` is produced, the balloon will inflate, and this can be quantified.
• Use a gas pressure sensor to measure the pressure inside the balloon. This will give a direct measurement of the amount of gas produced.
• Employ a water displacement method, where the balloon is connected to an inverted measuring cylinder submerged in water, and the amount of water displaced is equivalent to the volume of
  `CO_2` produced.
• Alternatively, after the reaction, weigh the entire setup and calculate the mass loss, which will correlate to the amount of
  `CO_2` generated.

Remember that the student should ensure that other variables are controlled so that differences in
`CO_2` production are due to the amount of sugar provided and not other factors.