Thermochemistry is an interesting unit to discuss with chemistry teachers, as the depth at which different teachers cover it seems to vary widely. Some teachers cover the topic in much greater depth than I do.
There has always been something I have loved about calorimetry. Waiting for that transfer of energy within the system to match my prediction while simultaneously trying to prevent this invisible stuff from escaping is a fun challenge. Trying to teach it can be a fun challenge as well.
A year ago I stumbled across a fun way to present the reaction between calcium metal and water. Check it out (including a video explanation): The Devil's Milkshake.
Ca(s) + H2O(l) → CaO(s) + H2(g) Equation 1
A diamond is forever…at least that’s how the advertising slogan goes. Many chemists know this saying is not entirely true, because diamonds are converted to graphite under normal conditions:
