Magnesium is a highly reactive element on the periodic table. It has an atomic # of 12 and has 2 valence electrons on the outer shell. In this reaction, the oxygen gas in the room is reacting with the strip of magnesium. When the bright light is finished burning, the final product is a new compound, called magnesium oxide. This is a classic chemical change reaction. It's a great example of domino causality. The shiny, metallic magnesium is converted into magnesium oxide, which is a brittle white powder.
The Flame Test
We tested four solid compounds. These powder-like salts were copper chloride, lithium chloride, barium chloride, and strontium nitrate. A liquid, called methanol, was added to the compounds and a hot flame was applied to the methanol which began to burn. Each flame had a distinctive color: copper chloride - Blue/Green lithium chloride - red barium chloride - orange strontium nitrate - red orange What is happening? What makes the colors? Many people might expect the difference in flame color to be due to a difference in temperature. This is not the case. Different elements have a different number of valence electrons. Because these electrons differ in how they jump around, different colors appear for each element.
Copper Replacement Reaction
In this demonstration, we started with dumping a copper compound into a water solution. The water turns a bright blue in response to copper being exposed to water. (think of the statue of liberty) We then added aluminum strips to the solution. As we stirred and heated the solution, the aluminum turned redish brown, appearing like copper. At the end of the reaction. All the copper in solution replaced the solid aluminum and all the aluminum dropped into the beaker became part of the liquid solution. Copper and Aluminum were replaced in this reaction and traded places in the beaker.
Ninja Gas Surprise
The Haverford elephant that has been living at Agnes Irwin has lost all its teeth, so there is no longer a practical reason to create elephant toothpaste. What the school now needs is to make Ninja Gas to help hide the elephant as it travels down Lancaster Avenue. We use a catalyst that combines with the Hydrogen Peroxide in the flask. A dramatic chemical reaction results. All the gas shooting up to the ceiling is Oxygen Gas, while only water and the catalyst remain inside the flask. This is a great example of a chemical reaction and domino causality. Don't worry, the ceiling is now clean and spotless. No worries!
Gummy Bear Combustion Reaction
The gummy bear reaction is a class favorite ! Potassium Chlorate is heated in a test tube. (containing the elements Potassium, Clorine, and Oxygen) We are preparing for a dramatic combustion reaction that takes place inside your stomach during digestions. When the gummy bear is placed into the test tube it reacts with the Oxygen Gas inside the test tube. A very dramatic exothermic reaction takes place. This demonstration is clearly a chemical reaction that follows the domino model. The rumbling sounds, bright light, and smoke makes for an exciting demonstration.
Magnesium is a highly reactive element on the periodic table. It has an atomic # of 12 and has 2 valence electrons on the outer shell. In this reaction, the oxygen gas in the room is reacting with the strip of magnesium. When the bright light is finished burning, the final product is a new compound, called magnesium oxide. This is a classic chemical change reaction. It's a great example of domino causality. The shiny, metallic magnesium is converted into magnesium oxide, which is a brittle white powder.
The Flame Test
We tested four solid compounds. These powder-like salts were copper chloride, lithium chloride, barium chloride, and strontium nitrate. A liquid, called methanol, was added to the compounds and a hot flame was applied to the methanol which began to burn. Each flame had a distinctive color:
copper chloride - Blue/Green
lithium chloride - red
barium chloride - orange
strontium nitrate - red orange
What is happening? What makes the colors? Many people might expect the difference in flame color to be due to a difference in temperature. This is not the case. Different elements have a different number of valence electrons. Because these electrons differ in how they jump around, different colors appear for each element.
Copper Replacement Reaction
In this demonstration, we started with dumping a copper compound into a water solution. The water turns a bright blue in response to copper being exposed to water. (think of the statue of liberty) We then added aluminum strips to the solution. As we stirred and heated the solution, the aluminum turned redish brown, appearing like copper. At the end of the reaction. All the copper in solution replaced the solid aluminum and all the aluminum dropped into the beaker became part of the liquid solution. Copper and Aluminum were replaced in this reaction and traded places in the beaker.
Ninja Gas Surprise
The Haverford elephant that has been living at Agnes Irwin has lost all its teeth, so there is no longer a practical reason to create elephant toothpaste. What the school now needs is to make Ninja Gas to help hide the elephant as it travels down Lancaster Avenue. We use a catalyst that combines with the Hydrogen Peroxide in the flask. A dramatic chemical reaction results. All the gas shooting up to the ceiling is Oxygen Gas, while only water and the catalyst remain inside the flask. This is a great example of a chemical reaction and domino causality. Don't worry, the ceiling is now clean and spotless. No worries!
Gummy Bear Combustion Reaction
The gummy bear reaction is a class favorite ! Potassium Chlorate is heated in a test tube. (containing the elements Potassium, Clorine, and Oxygen) We are preparing for a dramatic combustion reaction that takes place inside your stomach during digestions. When the gummy bear is placed into the test tube it reacts with the Oxygen Gas inside the test tube. A very dramatic exothermic reaction takes place. This demonstration is clearly a chemical reaction that follows the domino model. The rumbling sounds, bright light, and smoke makes for an exciting demonstration.
Elephant Toothpaste