Chemistry and the Titanic
Tom Kuntzleman | Wed, 01/04/2023 - 09:56
Some metals and metal alloys undergo a transition to brittleness at cold temperature. This phenomenon likely contributed to the demise of the Titanic.
phase changes
The Chemical Laser Show
Tom Kuntzleman | Sat, 12/07/2019 - 20:06
Chemistry and lasers can be used to create a demonstration that includes several colors and flashing lights. This demonstration connects to topics in quantum chemistry and phase changes.
The Liquid Nitrogen Cloud
Tom Kuntzleman | Fri, 07/26/2019 - 10:42
Have you ever seen the liquid nitrogen cloud? Do you wonder how the cloud forms when hot water is thrown onto liquid nitrogen? This post explores the liquid nitrogen cloud and possible explanations for its formation.
Collection of and Experiments with Liquid Air
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 05/15/2018 - 20:18
Simple methods to prepare liquid air are described. In addition, ways to test the properties of liquid air and other liquefied gases are explored.
Solution to Chemical Mystery #11: Too Hot to Boil?
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 03/06/2018 - 09:26
The solution to Chemical Mystery #11, which involves the Leidenfrost Effect, is presented.
Solution to Chemical Mystery #10: Out of the Blue!
Tom Kuntzleman | Wed, 07/05/2017 - 09:30
In Chemical Mystery #10, plastic straws are observed to “magically” change color when waved in the air. Check out the explanation and the video.
Boiling Water, Heating Curves, and Can Crushes
Doug Ragan | Wed, 02/22/2017 - 23:51
In an effort to better understand my high school students' knowledge of what is happening during phase changes, heating curve calculations, and the ever popular can crush demo, I run them through a series of activities. First, I ask my students "What Temperature Does Water Boil At?"
The Dry-Ice-in-Water Cloud
Tom Kuntzleman | Sun, 12/04/2016 - 18:54
Have you ever wondered where the cloud comes from when dry ice is placed in water? If you think the answer is “atmospheric water vapor”, be sure to read this post because experimental evidence suggests that this explanation is wrong.
Simple, Small-Scale Dry Ice Explosions
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 03/03/2015 - 10:17
A fun experiment to conduct when discussing phase diagrams is the melting of solid carbon dioxide (dry ice). To perform this experiment, place small pieces of dry ice (carbon dioxide) in a plastic pipette, seal with a pair of pliers, and position the bulb of the sealed pi
Freezing soap bubbles
Tom Kuntzleman | Thu, 01/09/2014 - 12:09
Want to try an easy, yet interesting chemistry experiment this winter? Try this: Blow some bubbles into the outside winter air and catch one of the bubbles with a bubble wand.