Ammonium dichromate volcano

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A close-up photograph of a small heap of ammonium dichromate which has been ignited, producing orange sparks and green chromium oxide

Source: © Shutterstock

Try this demonstration to create a mini volcanic eruption illustrating the decomposition of ammonium dichromate. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this practical, students witness a striking example of an exothermic decomposition reaction, as a small conical heap of orange ammonium dichromate(VI) is ignited. The reaction resembles a volcanic eruption, complete with sparks, green chromium(III) ‘ash’, steam and nitrogen gas.

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