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Sulfuric Acid and Sugar

What happens when you combine sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and cane sugar (C12H22O11)?

Here’s the chemical equation: H2SO4 + C12H22O11 = 12C + 11H2SO4.H2O

In words: Concentrated Sulfuric Acid + Sucrose = Carbon + Dilute Sulfuric Acid

What does this mean? It is the dehydration of sugar by sulfuric acid. When the contentrated sulfuric acid meets the sugar, it undergoes a violent chemical reaction releasing dilute sulfuric acid (water and H2SO4) and carbon. We know this takes place because we see water vapor being executed and the sugar expanded and turned black! Here’s is a depiction of what I mean:

The black “turd” is the carbon left by the reaction. The water vapor is also visible in the image.

Danger: This reaction is very exothermic; it releases large amounts of heat. Kids, beware.

The Elephant’s Toothpaste

What happens when you combine hydrogen peroxide and liquid soap, then add a catalyst? Toothpaste fit for a fit elephant!

Here is what happens:

When you add the catalyst to the Hydrogen Peroxide, it begins decomposing very rapidly, turning into water and free oxygen. There is a lot of oxygen gas packed into the liquid, so as the decomposing endures, the pressure from the oxygen (now trapped under the whole solution) builds forcing the soap and water to mix and spews them out of the bottle it’s contained it. If the soap was just right, it should appear to look like toothpaste but very large, hence the name. Here is a depiction of what happens:

This experiment is also exothermic, slightly less than the previous one, but it is still enough to boil water. The foam is also very hot so kids, beware.

Thermite

This is one of the more dangerous experiments. Nonetheless, many kids perform it and put it on Youtube. Please don’t be with them without adult supervision.

What do you think about when you hear of a substance that can easily melt iron by heat? Thermite, of course!

Here is the chemical equation for the most common type of thermite: Fe2O3 + 2Al = Al2O3 + 2Fe

In words: Iron III Oxide + Aluminum = Aluminum Oxide + Iron

Here’s what happens:

When you mix iron oxide and aluminum powder, they won’t react. In fact, it is really difficult to trigger Thermite. One of the most ways people do it is Magnesium ribbon or dust. Light the top of the “fuse” and stand back. Once the thermite gets going, it is impossible to smother it as it has it’s own oxygen from the iron oxide. It releases extreme amounts of light; enough to blind the eyes easily, along with extreme amounts of heat (up to 2500C-3000C) enough to easily melt iron. Actually, it forms it’s own elemental iron! As the aluminum (reactive metal) strips the oxygen out of the iron oxide (less reactive metal oxide) in a single displacement reaction, iron metal is formed along with aluminum oxide. After the reaction winds down to an end, a lump of white-hot metal remains.

There are also exotic forms of thermite such as chromium thermite; forming free elemental chromium metal instead of iron.

Danger: This experiment is extremely dangerous due to the extreme temperatures and light emitted. Adult supervision necessary.

Barking Dog

What happens when you add Nitrous Oxide (N2O) to Carbon Disulfide (CS2) then ignite? Woof Woof! A Dog Bark!

Here’s the chemical equation: N2O + CS2 = CO2 + 2S + N2

In words: Nitrous Oxide + Carbon Disulfide = Carbon Dioxide + Elemental Sulfur + Nitrogen Gas

Of course, since this is an exothermic reaction, it releases heat. What happens to the chemicals while combusting releasing such a sound?

When some water and the Carbon Disulfide are mixed, the Carbon disulfide vaporizes then mixes with the Nitrous Oxide later added. The mixture consists of fuel (CS2) and an oxidizer (N2O) and is now flammable. When the match is dropped, they begin to react. Since one of the reactants is a sulfur compound and the flame is present, a dazzling blue light is seen! The reactants continue to combust. As the flame moves down the tube, the gas trapped below the flame is being pressurized. As it finally “explodes” from the pressure, it passes by the flame it burns all at once, making a barking sound and a blinding blue light. Afterwards, the sulfur remains on the inner walling of the tube while the Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen gas escape. Picture of the flame:

(Image courtesy of Periodic Videos)

Here is the initial combustion. The “barking” phase was too bright, so it blinded the camera.

Warning: The flame is very hot, and, needless to say, the final “bark”. Place the match and move back immediately or serious burns can occurr.

Conclusion

Science is extremely fun, and for me, especially chemistry. Knowing what happens between the smallest atoms eventually leading to the biggest of explosions and light. I hope you liked my guide and if you learned anything new from this page, or just liked it, please click on that “I Like It” button below and comment. Good Luck!