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Experiments
We have prepared many experiments during our club sessions - here you can find some of our demonstrations! Our main goal is to showcase real life applications of important scientific concepts or reactions so you can better understand why we learn them.
The Rocket
This experiment consists of the extraction of hydrogen and oxygen through reactions which separate these gases from other compounds or mixtures.
Once you have the gases, you will put them together inside a plastic bottle on a string and ignite the gases. They will react under the high temperature - hydrogen is combusted, producing water as the final product.
The balanced equation for this reaction is: 2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O
Reactivity of Metals
The experiment consists of an explosive reaction of potassium with water, in order to classify the reactivity of metals. Potassium is one of the most reactive metals on the list!
Potassium is stored in small amounts in a jar with oil, so that it does not react with oxygen in the air prior to the experiment. Then, the metal is cleaned and placed in a large beaker with water.
Safety apparatus such as glasses, a lab coat and a shield are required for this experiment.
The balanced equation for this reaction is: 2K + 2H2O -> 2KOH + H2
Presence of Oxygen
The experiment consists of the reaction of hydrogen peroxide (água oxigenada, for Portuguese speakers) with manganese oxide.
The setting up of this experiment is intricate and elaborate in order to extract the pure oxygen from its compound.
Then, the presence of oxygen is tested with the relighting of a splint.
The balanced equation for this reaction is: H2O2 + 2MnO2 -> 2MnO + O2 + H2O
Flame Tests for Cations
The experiment consists of first cleaning a wire loop in an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid then dipping the cleaned wire into a sample of a salt. The salt contains the cation of which you will be testing!
Once you hold the wire loop with your cation close to a bunsen burner, you will observe the new colour of the flame. Depending on your cation - whether it is lithium, copper or potassium among 6 others - you will have a different colour like lilac, green or yellow!