Classic chemistry experiments

37

15.
Topic Timing

Chemistry and electricity

Acids and alkalis, electrolysis of salt solution. 3045 min.

Description
Students make up a salt solution with indicator and complete an electrical circuit. The cations / anions are attracted to the carbon electrode causing the indicator to change colour.

Apparatus and equipment (per group)

M Plastic petri dish M Filter papers M 6 V battery or power pack M Leads and crocodile clips M Carbon electrode M Dropping pipette. Use the type of teat pipette (usually fitted to Universal Indicator bottles) that does not allow squirting eg Griffin.

Chemicals (per group)

M Sodium chloride M Universal Indicator M Methyl orange.

Teaching tips
Other indicators to try might include: bromocresol green (lead attached to positive terminal), screened methyl orange (try both terminals), blue litmus (positive) and red litmus (negative). Phenolphthalein does not work very well in this experiment.

Background theory
When the pencil is attached to the negative lead, H ions are attracted to it, producing the colour associated with acids for that particular indicator. If the pencil is attached to the positive lead, the reverse happens.
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Safety
Wear eye protection.

Answers
1. When attached to the negative lead the writing is red, when attached to the positive lead it is purple. 2. H ions are attracted to the negative electrode, OH ions are attracted to the positive electrode. So depending on which electrode the pencil is attached to it will affect the colour of the indicator and therefore the writing.
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38

Classic chemistry experiments

Chemistry and electricity

Introduction
In this experiment, electricity and some indicators are used to make coloured writing.
Filter paper soaked with sodium chloride and indicator solution Positive terminal Carbon electrode 6V Negative terminal Petri dish

Battery or power pack

Lead

What to do
1. Dissolve a spatula measure of sodium chloride in 2 cm of water. Add three drops of methyl orange indicator. 2. Lay a filter paper inside a plastic petri dish. Drop the solution onto the paper using a dropping pipette, until the paper holds no more solution. 3. Attach the positive end of a 6 V battery to a lead ending in a crocodile clip. Use the crocodile clip to grip one end of the paper. 4. Attach the negative end of the battery to a carbon electrode. 5. Write lightly on the wet paper, using the carbon electrode. What colour is the writing? 6. Repeat the experiment using Universal Indicator. Describe what happens.
3

Safety
Wear eye protection.

Questions
1. What would happen if the lead were attached to the positive electrode using Universal Indicator? Try this if there is time. 2. Explain what reactions have occurred to produce the colours.

Classic chemistry experiments

39

16. Combustion
Topic
Combustion.

Timing
30 min.

Description
A candle is burnt inside a gas jar. The students then test for the presence of carbon dioxide and water.

Apparatus and equipment (per group)

M Gas jar and lid M Candle on a tray M Heat-proof mat.

Chemicals (per group)

M Limewater 0.02 mol dm
3

M Blue cobalt chloride paper.

Teaching tips
As an extension, the students could suggest other experiments to do to find out if other fuels form carbon dioxide and water when they burn. Data logging sensors and software can be used to demonstrate what may be happening in the jar as the candle burns. Use a bell jar and place sensors inside to monitor humidity, temperature, light or oxygen levels as the candle burns. The software will show the changes as a graph against time. When the candle extinguishes, readmit air to the jar and continue to record for a few moments.

Safety
Wear eye protection. Some fuels might be quite hazardous. A thorough risk assessment should be done.

Answers
1. Oxygen. 2. Carbon dioxide and water. 3. Methane or similar hydrocarbon or fuel.