- Iodine Clock Reaction – Perform the iodine clock reaction with three different initial concentrations of IO3–
- Combustion of Methane Bubbles and H2/O2 balloon – Contrast the rate of combustion of methane-filled soap bubbles with the rate of combustion of a 1:2 mixture of methane and oxygen (actually H2 and O2) in a balloon; note that activation energy in the form of a flame is required to initiate both reactions.
- Combustion of Ethanol Vapors – Allow a small amount of ethanol to vaporize in a large carboy, pour out the excess liquid, and hold a lighted splint to the mouth of the container – the impressive reaction also demonstrates the flammability of organic vapors.
- i) Contrast this with the burning of ethanol in a watch glass
- Combustion of Ethanol Vapors.pdf
- Alka Seltzer at Three Temperatures –Three students add Alka-seltzer tablets to flasks containing water at different temperatures and quickly seal the flasks with stoppers fitted with balloons, which will inflate at different rates
- Light Sticks – Immerse light sticks in hot and cold water to show variation in rates depending on temperature
- Briggs-Rauscher Oscillating Reaction – Introduce the mystery of mechanisms with the Briggs-Rauscher Oscillating Reaction.
- Reaction Intermediates – Add FeCl3 (aq) to Na2S2O3 (aq) on the overhead projector, giving rise to the black intermediate FeS2O3+, which forms and disappears, leaving colloidal sulfur as the final product.
- To show the unlikelihood of a termolecular collision, give colored foam balls to three students and challenge them to throw the balls so that all three collide simultaneously
- Catalysis of a Reaction – Demonstrate the catalysis of the H2O2 decomposition of NaK-tartrate with Co2+. Adding Co2+ turns the solution pink, but the solution quickly turns dark green as it begins to react vigorously. At the end of the reaction, the pink color is restored showing regeneration of the catalyst;