p-block elements and compounds

The physical and chemical properties of the elements in the p-block of the Periodic Table (Groups 4 to 0) are the focus of the experiments in this section.

While we are still at an early stage with this website it's probably more useful to look at the page with our complete list of experiments in alphabetical order. See the list on About this website.

We are starting with GCSE-level experiments.

Experiments

• The photochemical reactions of chlorine with hydrogen and methane

  The photochemical reaction of chlorine with hydrogen or methane is demonstrated under safe conditions.

• The reaction of ethyne with chlorine

  Calcium carbide reacts with an acid to produce ethyne (acetylene) gas. Chlorine from household bleach reacts spontaneously with the ethyne, giving a yellow, sooty flame.

• Distribution of iodine between two immiscible solvents

  A qualitative investigation into the way a solute, iodine, can distribute itself between two immiscible solvents, aqueous potassium iodide and cyclohexane.

• Estimation of the concentration of household bleach

  Students compare different brands of bleach by measuring volumes of oxygen gas liberated by reaction with hydrogen peroxide solution.

• Solubility patterns among anions of the Group 7 elements

  The experiments explore patterns of solubility among the anions of Group 7 elements with lithium, calcium and silver cations.

• Reactions of aqueous solutions of the halogens

  This activity investigates some of the chemical properties of the halogens.~~

• Microscale reactions of chlorine

  In this experiment chlorine is produced and reacted with water and halides on a microscale.

• Making a photographic print

  In this experiment students make a photographic image of an object on photographic paper coated with silver chloride.

• Reactions of chlorine, bromine and iodine with aluminium

  This experiment shows the exothermic reactions which occur when aluminium reacts with the halogens: chlorine, bromine and iodine.

• Reaction of zinc with iodine

  In this experiment students note the differences between a metal and a non-metal, and their reaction to form a metal salt.

• Liquefying chlorine gas

  This experiment shows how easy it is to liquefy chlorine gas by cooling alone.

• Halogen reactions with iron

  Demonstration of the reactions of chlorine, bromine and iodine with iron to show the trend in reactivity in Group 7.

• Ammonia fountain

  This spectacular demonstration highlights the high solubility of ammonia in water. The ammonia is shown to form an alkaline solution.

• Anodising aluminium

  An experiment showing a useful application of electrolysis.