Chemical tornadoes

By , and 2009-11-01T00:00:00

The acid–base tornado

Source: Frank C Williams

Demonstrating acid-base reactions, fluorescence and chemiluminescence

The tornado effect can be used to demonstrate several chemical concepts to 14–16-year olds. Here we describe a few experiments that you might use to liven up what might otherwise be uninspiring lessons on: acid-base indicators; fluorescence; chemiluminescence; and precipitation reactions. The chemical tornado can also be used if you are teaching younger pupils about the mixing of primary colours by using supermarket food colourings.

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