Kinetics with a Buret, Demo #1
A concrete demonstration of a first order rate process using an
apparatus-mounted buret and colored water.
Catalysis by Cobalt (II) Ion, Demo #2
A dramatic demonstration showing the cobalt (II) catalyzed decarboxylation
of tartrate ion by hydrogen peroxide. The reactants are colorless, and
the catalyst is pink. When the catalyst is added to the mixed reactants,
the colorless solution becomes dark green, fizzes ferociously, and finally
settles down to the original pink color of the added catalyst.
The Oscillating Clock Reaction, Demo #3
An example of an oscillating reaction. The actually chemistry is
complex and probably not completely understood, but the demo is very striking
to see. Three colorless solutions are mixed to give a stirred solution
that cycles several times through dark blue, amber, and colorless.
Catalysis- Homogeneous & Heterogeneous, Demo #4
An overhead projector demo showing the decomposition of aqueous hydrogen
peroxide (fizzing) brought about by aqueous iodide ion (homogeneous) and by
solid silver (I) oxide (heterogeneous).
The Iodine Clock Reaction, Demo #5
A classic surprise reaction. Two colorless solutions are mixed and
nothing happens for a time period of from 20 seconds to a couple of minutes
(controllable by adjusting concentrations). The solution then instantly
turns dark blue (starch-iodine complex). Can be used for anything from a
"gee-whiz" demo to an advanced discussion of competing reactions.
