My goal is to incorporate as many relevant demonstrations into the classroom as possible. Here are photographs of some demonstrations that I have done. Caution: The descriptions of these potentially dangerous demonstrations are incomplete. If you have questions about these demonstrations or suggestions please contact me at campbell@bradley.edu.

How should you observe a demonstration involving an explosion?

 

ABCD

EFG

 

If you picked "C" you are correct. In this position the shock wave of the explosion will be deflected by your hands, yet you will still be able hear other sounds in the room, like the voice of the person giving the demonstrations. Source: Dr. John Fortman in a presentation at Bradley University.

 

Elephant's Toothpaste in a Pumpkin (catalytic decompostion of hydrogen peroxide within dishsoap creates a foam)

Doing the "Elephant's Toothpaste" reaction inside a pumpkin. The foam oozes from the mouth and eye holes of the pumpkin, resulting in a totally gross demonstration! ABOVE: The foam is just beginning to ooze out. BELOW: At the end of the demo (left) and photographs of another run (middle and right). Potassium iodide was used as the catalyst. Special thanks to Kathleen Shanks at the Institute for Chemical Education for helpful advice.

 

This demonstration is based on an article published in Chem 13 News. We do not have the article information, but we would be happy to post it if anyone finds the reference.

 

Alcohol Rocket Car (exothermic combustion of alcohol)

 

Put wheels on a milk jug and alcohol vapor inside, then light the end and away it goes! Special thanks to Wayne Bosma at Bradley University for introducing me to the classic alcohol "whoosh" bottle. BELOW LEFT: The rocket car at Demos on the Lawn '99 in Madison, Wisconsin. BELOW RIGHT: What may happen to the rocket car if you don't write to me for detailed directions.

 

Another type of rocket car that circumvents the whole issue of fire as the basis for propulsion uses the pressure from chemical production of carbon dioxide as a source of thrust. Click here to view information on this demonstration.

 

Demonstration Pictures: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7

 

Link to pictures of LEGO demonstrations

Return to Dr. Campbell's Favorite Demonstrations

Last updated10/17/03

Site created at the laboratory of Dean Campbell