mothball centerpiece?

I have some instructions for an effervenscent mothball centerpiece, have never done it, and wondered if someone else might have some knowledge.
It used the balls, water, citric acid, baking soda, and is placed in a goblet shaped dish, and kids enjoy this, supposedly.
I would like to do this soon for Thanks. and wondering if the citric acid I used would matter, lemon juice, or that powdered stuff for preserving in the grocery store. Anyone know? comments please?

I don't have an answer to your question, but I sure would love to see how that works.
Prehaps a visit with the science teacher at school would get you the help you need.
...or the pharmasist (I spelt that badly, the druggest). They have all that chemistry knowledge.

Goodluck, post pics!
Laura

I am not sure if it is the same but we did something once at a Girl Scout science thing and the moth ball bounce up and down. I believe we used vinegar but dont quote me on that. I will do some checking and see if I can find out.

This is what I found...

Napthalene (moth balls) doesn't react to form Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Actually, the only reason the mothballs are used in the experiment is because they have a large, rough surface area. Raisins work almost was well!

So you need something to form CO, the simplest is baking soda (NOT baking powder). The idea is that the CO2 bubbles alternately stick to the rough surface and float the mothballs / raisins, then release, letting them sink.

Try it this way, with mothballs or raisins:

see if it works.

Fill a glass 2/3 of the way full with water. Add 2-3 oz. of vinegar, and 2 tsp. of baking soda. Stir, it will start to fizz. Add the mothballs or raisins. They should dance!

Oh Man!! I hate the smell of Mothballs so this would not come into my house!!LOL

I know a lady who had them every where in her house and she died of cancer and her husband die of a lung disorder!! I really wouldn't have them in my house!! Becareful handling them!!

No, no, no! Please do not use mothballs like this. Especially where children are concerned. A dear friend of mine passed away because of mothballs. His mom used them often in her home. Tim had a severe reaction to the mothballs! His mom had no idea that he was so affected by them. I'm sure that there is something else that can be used in their place.