Chemistry Experiments
95 experiment protocols with step-by-step instructions
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Burning Magnesium in Dry Ice
Magnesium continues to burn in solid carbon dioxide, reducing CO₂ to carbon
Demonstrate that magnesium can reduce carbon dioxide, challenging the misconception that CO₂ always extinguishes fires.
Chemiluminescence with Luminol
Producing blue light through a chemical reaction without heat
Demonstrate chemiluminescence by oxidizing luminol with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a catalyst, producing visible blue light.
Density Column Rainbow
Stacking liquids of different densities to create a colorful column
Demonstrate the concept of liquid density by layering immiscible liquids of different densities in a tall column.
Disappearing Beaker (Refractive Index Matching)
Making a glass object invisible by immersing it in a liquid of matching refractive index
Demonstrate the concept of refractive index by making a glass object disappear in a liquid that matches its refractive index.
Elephant Toothpaste
Rapid catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide producing a massive foam column
Demonstrate the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide using potassium iodide, illustrating concepts of catalysis, exothermic reactions, and gas evolution.
Instant Freeze: Supercooled Water
Triggering instantaneous crystallization of supercooled water
Demonstrate supercooling by cooling purified water below 0°C without freezing, then triggering instant crystallization.
Iodine Clock Reaction
A timed reaction that suddenly turns dark blue after a predictable delay
Demonstrate reaction kinetics and the effect of concentration and temperature on reaction rate using the iodine clock reaction.
Non-Newtonian Fluid: Oobleck
Creating a shear-thickening fluid from cornstarch and water
Create and explore a non-Newtonian fluid that behaves as both a solid and a liquid depending on the applied force.
Oscillating Briggs-Rauscher Reaction
A chemical clock that cycles between colorless, amber, and deep blue
Observe a chemical oscillating reaction that repeatedly cycles through three distinct color states, demonstrating nonlinear chemical kinetics.
Sodium and Water Reaction
Observing the vigorous reaction of an alkali metal with water
Demonstrate the reactivity of alkali metals by reacting sodium with water, observing hydrogen evolution and hydroxide formation.
Thermite Reaction
An extremely exothermic redox reaction producing molten iron from rust and aluminum
Demonstrate an extreme exothermic oxidation-reduction reaction where aluminum reduces iron oxide to molten iron.