Redox reactions

The experiments in this category cover a range of oxidation and reduction reactions.

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.
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Experiments

• Turning copper coins into 'silver' and 'gold'

  A copper coin is plated with zinc and appears silver in colour. Heating the zinc plated coin forms a coating of brass, and the coin appears gold in colour.

• A colourful clock reaction ('Old Nassau')

  Three colourless solutions are mixed. The mixture turns orange then, shortly afterwards, suddenly turns intensely blue-black. The time taken for the change can be varied.

• 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.

• The ‘breathalyser’ reaction

  The reaction between ethanol and potassium dichromate illustrates the original ‘breathalyser’ test to detect alcohol in the breath of a driver.

• A giant silver mirror

  A silver mirror is formed on the inside of a large flask.

• Rechargeable commercial cells: the lead-acid accumulator

  A simple cell lead-acid cell is constructed and charged and discharged for varying lengths of time.

• A colourful oscillating reaction

  A mixture of bromate ions, bromide ions, malonic acid and ferroin indicator in solution oscillates between red and blue as a result of a series of reversible redox reactions.

• 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.

• Chemiluminescence – cold light

  Oxidation of luminol by sodium chlorate(I) produces a blue chemiluminescent glow.

• Ammonium dichromate volcano

  An eruption of green ash, sparks and steam occurs as ammonium dichromate(VI) decomposes exothermically.

• Colourful electrolysis

  The electrolysis of salt (sodium chloride) solution performed in a U-shaped test tube with universal indicator.

• Electrolysis of zinc chloride

  Demonstration showing that an ionic compound will not conduct electricity when solid, but will do so when molten.

• Spontaneous exothermic reaction

  The delayed reaction between potassium manganate(VII) and glycerol.

• Halogen reactions with iron

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