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The General Chemistry Demo Lab
Introduction
I started developing this page when I was a professor of chemistry at the University of Kentucky. I haven't had much chance to expand it in recent years, but it's still a good resource. Each demo here includes:
- A background and introduction
- A short video of the demonstration.
- Interactive 3D molecular models you can manipulate on-screen (if applicable).
- An explanation of the chemistry behind the demo
- Additional information that goes beyond the scope of most freshman level textbooks.
- Information on the demonstration setup (as needed or appropriate).
Current Demos
 | Surface tension. In this demonstration, sulfur floats when sprinkled onto water. When a surfactant (a drop of soap) is added, this reduces the surface tension and the sulfur quickly settles to the bottom of the container. |
 | Pressure and Volume Effects on Equilibrium. As an equilibrium gas mixture is compressed and expanded in a syringe, we see QC and Le Chatelier's Principle at work! |
 | Reaction of magnesium metal with carbon dioxide. Magnesium burns more intensely when exposed to carbon dioxide, in this case, inside a block of it! Who knew that thermodynamics, free energy and activation energy could be so exciting? |
 | The thermite reaction. Rust and aluminum powder react to give molten globs or iron. Everything for the pyromaniac who also wants to know more about thermodynamics, free energy and oxidation-reduction reactions. |
 | Fun with liquid nitrogen. Experience the joys of frozen objects at -196 °C. In this clip, an apple and a banana are exposed to liquid nitrogen and then mistreated. We're sure there are some chemical principles to be explained here, but this one is really just fun. |
