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10 Cool Chemistry Experiments
ThoughtCo / Hilary Allison
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- Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Chemistry is king when it comes to making science cool. There are many interesting and fun projects to try, but these 10 chemistry experiments might be the coolest.
Whether you want to witness color transformations with copper and nitric acid or create a foam spectacle with hydrogen peroxide and potassium iodide, there's something here to spark curiosity in everyone. There's even a famous chemical reaction that will emit blue light and a characteristic barking or woofing sound.
Copper and Nitric Acid
When you place a piece of copper in nitric acid , the Cu 2+ ions and nitrate ions coordinate to color the solution green and then brownish-green. If you dilute the solution, water displaces nitrate ions around the copper, and the solution changes to blue.
Hydrogen Peroxide with Potassium Iodide
Affectionately known as elephant toothpaste , the chemical reaction between peroxide and potassium iodide shoots out a column of foam. If you add food coloring, you can customize the "toothpaste" for holiday-colored themes.
Any Alkali Metal in Water
Any of the alkali metals will react vigorously in water . How vigorously? Sodium burns bright yellow. Potassium burns violet. Lithium burns red. Cesium explodes. Experiment by moving down the alkali metals group of the periodic table.
Thermite Reaction
The thermite reaction essentially shows what would happen if iron rusted instantly, rather than over time. In other words, it's making metal burn. If the conditions are right, just about any metal will burn. However, the reaction usually is performed by reacting iron oxide with aluminum:
Fe 2 O 3 + 2Al → 2Fe + Al 2 O 3 + heat and light
If you want a truly stunning display, try placing the mixture inside a block of dry ice and then lighting the mixture.
Coloring Fire
SEAN GLADWELL / Getty Images
When ions are heated in a flame, electrons become excited and then drop to a lower energy state, emitting photons. The energy of the photons is characteristic of the chemical and corresponds to specific flame colors . It's the basis for the flame test in analytical chemistry , plus it's fun to experiment with different chemicals to see what colors they produce in a fire.
Make Polymer Bouncy Balls
Who doesn't enjoy playing with bouncy balls ? The chemical reaction used to make the balls makes a terrific experiment because you can alter the properties of the balls by changing the ratio of the ingredients.
Make a Lichtenberg Figure
A Lichtenberg figure or "electrical tree" is a record of the path taken by electrons during an electrostatic discharge. It's basically frozen lightning. There are several ways you can make an electrical tree.
Experiment with 'Hot Ice'
Hot ice is a name given to sodium acetate, a chemical you can make by reacting vinegar and baking soda. A solution of sodium acetate can be supercooled so that it will crystallize on command. Heat is evolved when the crystals form, so although it resembles water ice, it's hot.
Barking Dog Experiment
The Barking Dog is the name given to a chemiluminescent reaction involving the exothermic combination of either nitrous oxide or nitrogen monoxide with carbon disulfide. The reaction proceeds down a tube, emitting blue light and a characteristic "woof" sound.
Another version of the demonstration involves coating the inside of a clear jug with alcohol and igniting the vapor. The flame front proceeds down the bottle , which also barks.
Dehydration of Sugar
When you react sugar with sulfuric acid , the sugar is violently dehydrated. The result is a growing column of carbon black, heat, and the overwhelming odor of burnt caramel.
Easy Science Experiments
Want something less extravagant but still fun? These easy science experiments are doable with items you likely already have at home—from creating invisible ink with baking soda to making homemade ice cream in a plastic bag.
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