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Chemistry and electricity

Demonstrate movement of ions in solution and make coloured writing using electricity and indicators
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A Cartesian diver

Use this famous experiment to illustrate the changes in density of gases and liquids when compressed
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Viscosity

Compare the viscosity of treacle-like and water-like liquids
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The oxidation states of vanadium

Introduce your students to the idea that different oxidation states of transition metal ions often have different colours and that electrode potentials can be used to predict the course of the redox reactions.
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Burning milk powder

Produce a spectacular fireball by sprinkling milk powder over a flame and witness how an increased surface area can also increase reaction rates.
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A visible activated complex

A simple demonstration of catalysis also introducing the idea of an activated complex and to allow discussion of the mechanism of catalysis.
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Hydrogen peroxide decomposition using different catalysts

Demonstrate the effectiveness of different catalysts for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by assessing the reaction rate of varying mixtures of hydrogen peroxide, washing up liquid and a selection of catalysts.
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Competition for oxygen

This experiment involves the reaction of a metal with the oxide of another metal. When reactions like these occur, the two metals compete for the oxygen. The more reactive metal finishes up with the oxygen (as a metal oxide). If the more reactive metal starts as the oxide then no ...
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Electrolysis of potassium iodide solution

Filter paper soaked in potassium iodide solution which also contains starch and phenolphthalein is placed on an aluminium sheet which forms one electrode of an electric circuit. The other electrode is used as a ‘pen nib’ to ‘write’ on the filter paper. When this electrode is made positive and the ...
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An alternative to using compressed gas cylinders

Cylinders of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide are very expensive. Getting gas under pressure allows exciting demonstrations such as igniting balloons filled with hydrogen gas.
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Making nylon: the ‘nylon rope trick’

Perform this ‘trick’ with a solution of decanedioyl dichloride in cyclohexane floated on an aqueous solution of 1,6-diaminohexane. As nylon forms at the interface, it can be pulled out as fast as it is produced forming a long thread: the ‘nylon rope’.
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Flame tests (the wooden splint method)

Watch this experiment in our practical video Identifying ions. The method described in this experiment is intended for students to carry out and avoids the need for the use of concentrated hydrochloric acid. It also avoids the cost and contamination problems associated with the use of nichrome or platinum wires.
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Neutralisation circles

Drops of dilute acid and alkali are placed a few centimetres apart on a sheet of filter paper and allowed to spread out until they meet. A few drops of Universal indicator are then placed over the moist area of the filter paper and a band of colours showing the ...
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The methane rocket

A strong plastic bottle is filled with a 2:1 ratio of oxygen to methane and the mixture ignited with the bottle standing on a suitable ‘launch pad’. The mixture ignites with a loud bang and the bottle flies several metres.
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Extracting limonene from oranges

This experiment demonstrates the extraction of plant oils. The experiment also links for tests for unsaturation, and at a higher level, chirality.
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The effect of concentration on reaction rate

Sodium thiosulfate solution is reacted with acid – a sulfur precipitate forms. The time taken for a certain amount of sulfur to form can be used to indicate the rate of the reaction.
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Diffusion of gases – a safer alternative to bromine

Demonstration of the diffusion of gases.
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Making silicon and silanes from sand

Heat magnesium and sand together to produce silicon by an exothermic reaction.
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Reduction of copper(II) oxide by hydrogen

Determine the formula of copper(II) oxide by reducing it using hydrogen or methane.
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Testing for negative ions

This activity is in two parts; first, students make observations while carrying out tests for various negative ions, then they use their observations to help identify the negative ions present in a number of solutions.