Honors Chemistry Project

Name: STUDENT #1 Date: 05/7/2020 Block: 2A

“I’m in Love with the CoCo!”

. White Hat – What do we know about acids and bases? What do we know about pH? What
do we need to know in order to successfully obtain an answer? Acids are substances that turn litmus
paper red, donates a Hydrogen ion in water, and usually tastes sour. Bases are substances that turns
litmus paper blue, gives off Hydroxide ions, creates salt and water, and tastes bitter. The pH scale ranges
from 0-14, acids lie on 0-6, and bases lie on 8-14, while a pH of 7 is neutral. To successfully obtain an
answer, I must know if coca cola is basic or acidic, and its pH.

. Blue Hat – What steps do we need to take in order to answer this question? What research
(internet and experimental) do we need to conduct? In order to answer this question, I must research the
pH of different coca-colas, research weather its acidic or basic, and draw a conclusion based on the
results.

. Black Hat – What are the negative effects of Coca-Cola? Coca cola has acids called
phosphoric and citric acid that deteriorates the enamel on your teeth, slowly decays them, softens them
and exposes them to cavities. It contains more than the recommended amount of sugar and has a pH of
2.52 which can be compared to vinegar that has a pH of 2.4. The sugar in coke also bathes and nourishes
bacteria which can crank out your own mild acids.

. Yellow Hat – What are the benefits of Coca-Cola? Coca cola can act like a gastric acid and
ease abdominal pain and remove blockages for digestive problems like gastric phytobezoar. Coca cola
also contains caffeine which can help maintain your focus while also increasing your energy.

. Red Hat – How did you feel about placing a limit on consumption prior to the debate
and/or research? How do you feel now after completing your research and the experiment? I was
indifferent and not really bothered on the restrictions because I don’t drink coke daily. I like to replace
bad drinks with water, so it was not difficult for me. After completing my research, I realized that coke
has more negative effects while drinking and after withdrawal.

. Green Hat – Based on the results of your research/experiment, what new ideas or
opportunities have you formed? How can your results be used? Coca cola has negative effects on the
body and brain of a human. After withdrawal, the body begins to need its regular amount of high sugar
intake, it also dramatically lowers the energy of a human and creates drowsiness. I can use these results
to support my claim that there should be a limit to how many coca colas someone should consume.
 Honors Chemistry Project

Is Coca-Cola Bad For You?

By: STUDENT #1

Chemistry H 2A
 Honors Chemistry Project
Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Fanta, favorites of kids, teens, and adults. These carbonated drinks not only are
craved by people of all ages but are also excessively consumed every day. Looking at this from a scientific
point of view, “one can of coke (330ml) contains 100% of your daily sugar allowance, and there’s no
denying that will have a corrosive effect on your teeth over time.” (Ella walker, 2018) Coca-Cola has
phosphoric and citric acids that deteriorates the enamel on your teeth which exposes them to cavities and
effects your digestive system. “Your mouth lining, throat and esophagus are all very sensitive to acids like
phosphoric acid and may become irritated with regular exposure to cola” (Is Soda Acidic? 2020) Not only
this but it deteriorates your teeth and slowly rots them because of its high acidity. Coke has a pH of 2.52
making it highly acidic, this can be compared to vinegar that has a Ph of 2.4. Do you think it would be
healthy to drink 330mL of pure vinegar? Most likely not.

Not only this but in a recent study “The review authors examined the effects of sugar sweetened
beverages on the brain. They found that these drinks increased levels of certain compounds and chemicals
that interfered with brain activity, increasing the risk of stroke and dementia.” (Adam Felman, 2019) The
high amounts of sugar will also affect your body when a withdrawal is made. After a few hours of no coke
intake, your body begins to beg and need for coke. Its effects are almost identical to coffee withdrawal, the
tiredness begins, low energy, and drowsiness. Since Coca-Cola is infused with caffeine, a withdrawal causes
“ headache, fatigue, low energy, irritability, anxiety, poor concentration, depressed mood and tremors, which
can last anywhere from two to nine days”(Jillian Kubala, 2018) Essentially, if you would quit today, there
will still be negative effects up to a week after.

In conclusion, soda with its acidic creates several complications in the body. Most specifically Coca-
Cola, it only produces more health problems. It exceeds the daily amount of sugar intake and creates an
addiction like cocaine. It makes your body crave more each time you drink. Even in withdrawal, its effects
are still impactful causing headaches and irritability, only easing it by taking small amounts and slowly
reducing. Coca-Cola is not something to drink everyday along with your three meals. With rotting teeth,
risks of strokes, dementia, irritated esophagus, and risk of diabetes, there should be a limit to the intake of
Coca-Cola per day.
 Honors Chemistry Project
Works Cited

“Is Coca-Cola bad for you?” Adam Felman, 2019 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/297600

Is Soda Acidic? — How Cola Impacts Digestive Health unknown author, 2020
https://flatulencecures.com/is-soda-acidic/#Hydrochloric_Acid_and_the_Phosphoric_Acid_in_Soda

“8 Symptoms of Caffeine Withdrawal” Jillian Kubala, 2018 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-

withdrawal-symptoms

“4 surprising health benefits of Coca-Cola” Ellen Walker, 2018 https://home.bt.com/lifestyle/health/healthy-

eating/surprising-health-benefits-of-coca-cola-11364003752974
 Honors Chemistry Project
STUDENT #1

Acid/Base Reflection Paper Rubric

i) Explain the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue.
7-8 Explain the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue.
5-6 Describe the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue.
3-4 Summarize the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue.
1-2 Outline the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue.

ii) Discuss and evaluate the various implications of using science and its application to solve a specific
problem or issue.
Discuss and evaluate the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue,
7-8
interacting with a factor.
Discuss the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue, interacting with a
5-6
factor.
Describe the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue, interacting with
3-4
a factor.
Outline the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue, interacting with
1-2
a factor.

iii) Apply scientific knowledge effectively.

7-8 Consistently applies scientific language to communicate understanding clearly and precisely.
5-6 Usually applies scientific language to communicate understanding clearly and precisely.
3-4 Sometimes applies scientific language to communicate understanding.
1-2 Applies scientific language to communicate understanding but does so with limited success.

iv) Document the work of others and sources of information used.

7-8 Documents sources completely.
5-6 Usually documents sources correctly.
3-4 Sometimes documents sources correctly.
1-2 Document sources, but with limited success.

Rubric Grade Points Percentage

8 50 100
7 47 94
6 45 90
5 42 84
4 40 80
3 37 74
2 36 72
1 33 66
 Honors Chemistry Project
Name: STUDENT #2 Date: 5/7/2020 Block: 2B

“I’m in Love with the CoCo!”

6 Thinking Hats Template

1. White Hat – What do we know about acids and bases? What do we know about pH?
What do we need to know in order to successfully obtain an answer? The characteristics of acids are
that they taste sour, and turn litmus paper red. The bases taste bitter or poisonous and turn litmus paper
blue. Both conduct electricity. The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, acids are from 0-6.9 and bases are from
7.1 to 14. We need to research the pH value of soda, Coca Cola and determine whether it is acid or base
to fully obtain answer.

2. Blue Hat – What steps do we need to take in order to answer this question? What
research (internet and experimental) do we need to conduct? The experiment which I possibly could
conduct would require litmus paper and pH scale. I would conduct the experiment and collect data about
pH value of Coca Cola to figure out the answer. Another possible thing I could do is to research from
reliable sources the data for question.

3. Black Hat – What are the negative effects of Coca-Cola? Coca Cola can lead to various
heart diseases, obesity, diabetes and tooth decay due to the ingredients in it. The health condition is in
risk by consuming Coca Cola every day in higher amounts. It is also proved that the effects are
equivalent of heroin.

4. Yellow Hat – What are the benefits of Coca-Cola? Some of the benefits of Coca Cola
include increasing focus, since Coke has caffeine present it has similar impact as coffee. Coke can also
help with digestion problems and boost the energy level of body.

5. Red Hat – How did you feel about placing a limit on consumption prior to the debate
and/or research? How do you feel now after completing your research and the experiment? I felt
that limiting the amount of Coca Cola consumed daily will prove beneficial for our health and I had this
opinion only through knowledge I gained from my family. After doing the reliable research on my own, I
am satisfied with my opinion and choice of not drinking soda daily.

6. Green Hat – Based on the results of your research/experiment, what new ideas or
opportunities have you formed? How can your results be used? I gained new knowledge after doing
the research which collectively supports the opinion of limiting consumption of Coca Cola. It has several
health disadvantages with little to no advantages. My results can be used to publish commercials which
create awareness amongst Coke lovers and discourage them from harming their bodies.
 Honors Chemistry Project

STUDENT #2

Acid/Base at Home Project

Chemistry H 2B
 Honors Chemistry Project
There should be a limit on to how many cokes a person consumes on daily bases. Coke is a

homogeneous mixture according to Eleazer Villafuerte, 2013. The ingredients in the soda are evenly mixed

therefore it is hard to identify individual parts. The pH level of Coca Cola is 2.52, which means it is acidic.

Coke is a diluted solution; therefore, it has excessive amount of solvent added which increases the amount of

product. There are various risks and dangerous health conditions linked with the consumption of Coke

because the high intake of ingredients like caffeine and sugar is injurious to health.

The Coca Cola is comprised of “37 grams of added sugar” and it is equivalent of 10 teaspoons as

stated by Adam Felman, 2019. The maximum healthy amount of sugar should not exceed 6 teaspoons. It is

further stated that excessive amount of sugar present in Coke leads to various diseases including diabetes and

heart diseases.

The ideology is explained clearly by Stuart Hardwick, 2017. The Coca Cola is acidic and there are

negative impacts of it which mainly includes teeth decaying. It is stated that since people enjoy drinking

Coca Cola on daily bases, the pH level of their mouth stays at 2.5, however, the good pH value for mouth is

“chronically 4 or 4.5”. That is why, Coke leads to teeth erosion. One of the major ingredients in Coca Cola is

Phosphoric Acid which is used for taste in soda. It is claimed that this acid “leaches calcium out of bones and

teeth”, which eventually contributes to kidney diseases. Thus, coke should not be part of our daily routines.

In conclusion, the Coca Cola’s consumption on daily bases should be limited because of several

different scientific reasons. One of the main reasons is that according to my research, pH value of Coke is

2.52 which makes it acid. There is also Phosphoric acid used as ingredient in Coca Cola to make it taste

good, however, there are dangerous effects of it. Hence, the daily intake of Coca Cola should be limited to

decrease the risk of early age health issues.

 Honors Chemistry Project
Citations

1. Health Risks Of Coca-cola: What It Does To the Body

Adam Felman - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/297600

2. How Much Acid Does Coca-cola Have, and How Does It Affect Your Health?
https://www.quora.com/How-much-acid-does-Coca-Cola-have-and-how-does-it-affect-your-health

3. Coca Cola Project

https://prezi.com/udt2ex2getoz/coca-cola-project/
 Honors Chemistry Project
STUDENT #2

Acid/Base Reflection Paper Rubric

i) Explain the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue.
7-8 Explain the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue.
5-6 Describe the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue.
3-4 Summarize the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue.
1-2 Outline the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue.

ii) Discuss and evaluate the various implications of using science and its application to solve a specific
problem or issue.
Discuss and evaluate the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue,
7-8
interacting with a factor.
Discuss the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue, interacting with
5-6
a factor.
Describe the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue, interacting with
3-4
a factor.
Outline the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue, interacting with
1-2
a factor.

iii) Apply scientific knowledge effectively.

Consistently applies scientific language to communicate understanding clearly and precisely.
7-8
Usually applies scientific language to communicate understanding clearly and precisely.
5-6
3-4 Sometimes applies scientific language to communicate understanding.
Applies scientific language to communicate understanding but does so with limited success.
1-2

iv) Document the work of others and sources of information used.

7-8 Documents sources completely.
5-6 Usually documents sources correctly.
3-4 Sometimes documents sources correctly.
1-2 Document sources, but with limited success.

Rubric Grade Points Percentage

8 50 100
7 47 94
6 45 90
5 42 84
4 40 80
3 37 74
2 36 72
1 33 66
 Honors Chemistry Project
Name: STUDENT #3 Date: May 7th, 2020 Block: 2B

“I’m in Love with the CoCo!”

6 Thinking Hats Template

. White Hat – What do we know about acids and bases? What do we know about pH?
What do we need to know in order to successfully obtain an answer? Acids donate the hydrogen ion
to the bases. Acids taste sour, and bases taste bitter. Bases have a pH between 8-14 while acids have a pH
between 1-6. We need to know the ingredients in Coca Cola and research its acidic level.

2. Blue Hat – What steps do we need to take in order to answer this question? What
research (internet and experimental) do we need to conduct? We need to research the ingredients of
the substance and if there are any limits to consuming these ingredients. We should also consider
researching the pros and cons of consuming Coca Cola.

3. Black Hat – What are the negative effects of Coca-Cola? Consumption of Coca Cola can
cause serious health problems. It can cause tooth decay, liver problems, diabetes, cardio diseases and
many internal failures.

4. Yellow Hat – What are the benefits of Coca-Cola? Coca Cola aids with enhancing your
energy, improving digestion, focus, and settle a distressed stomach.

5. Red Hat – How did you feel about placing a limit on consumption prior to the debate
and/or research? How do you feel now after completing your research and the experiment? My
opinions remain the same. Prior to my research, I agreed that there should be a limit to the amount of
Coca Cola an individual consumes because it is unhealthy. Before my research, I knew that Coca Cola is
a caffeinated beverage, and too much caffeine can be risky to your health. After completing my research,
I feel like it added to the reasons why Coca Cola consumptions should be limited.

6. Green Hat – Based on the results of your research/experiment, what new ideas or
opportunities have you formed? How can your results be used? Some information that I thought
about after my research were that the pH levels of Coca Cola could also contribute to the reasons why it
should be limited. Coca Cola is claimed to be a strong acidic product. Ingesting too much acidic products
can unbalance the body’s pH and cause dangers to the internal organs.

Citations: https://hackspirit.com/shocking-impact-cola-human-brain-body/

https://home.bt.com/lifestyle/health/healthy-eating/surprising-health-benefits-of-coca-cola-11364003752974
 Honors Chemistry Project

STUDENT #3

2B- Chemistry Honors

Title: Reflecting on The Impacts of Science

 Honors Chemistry Project

Research Question: Should there be a limit to how many Cokes (Coca-Cola) a person consumes on a daily
basis?

Marina Kushner, The Truth About Caffeine

Robert Shelton, pH value of Common Drinks

Susanne Allen, Acidosis

Ted Kallymer, Caffeine Informer

There should be a limit to the amount of Coke a person consumes. Analyzing the main ingredients of Coca
Cola (Caffeine, carbonated water, sugar, phosphoric acid etc.), consuming too much would be a serious health risk.
Caffeine is an addictive drug which can bring about alertness and boost your energy which are the effects of Coca
Cola. Besides the positives, this ingredient has a pH value between 4.9 and 5 which is the value of a weak acid.
According to Ted Kallymer, overconsumption of caffeine may lead to high blood pressure, indigestion, and sleep
deprivation. Coca Cola has a pH level of 2.5 which indicates that it is a highly acidic product. Ingesting too much acids
can cause acidosis which is a disease that can result in liver failure, low blood sugar, liver failure etc. For these
reasons, there should be a limit to the quantity of Coca Cola a person drinks.
 Honors Chemistry Project
STUDENT #3
Acid/Base Reflection Paper Rubric

i) Explain the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue.
7-8 Explain the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue.
5-6 Describe the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue.
3-4 Summarize the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue.
1-2 Outline the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue.

ii) Discuss and evaluate the various implications of using science and its application to solve a specific
problem or issue.
Discuss and evaluate the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or
7-8
issue, interacting with a factor.
Discuss the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue,
5-6
interacting with a factor.
Describe the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue,
3-4
interacting with a factor.
Outline the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue,
1-2
interacting with a factor.

iii) Apply scientific knowledge effectively.

Consistently applies scientific language to communicate understanding clearly and
7-8
precisely.
Usually applies scientific language to communicate understanding clearly and
5-6
precisely.
3-4 Sometimes applies scientific language to communicate understanding.
Applies scientific language to communicate understanding but does so with limited
1-2
success.

iv) Document the work of others and sources of information used. No references.
7-8 Documents sources completely.
5-6 Usually documents sources correctly.
3-4 Sometimes documents sources correctly.
1-2 Document sources, but with limited success.

Rubric Grade Points Percentage

8 50 100
7 47 94
6 45 90
5 42 84
4 40 80
3 37 74
2 36 72
1 33 66

1.5 = 69