Oxidation and reduction

The experiments in this section illustrate oxidation and reduction processes such as corrosion and rusting.

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

• Extracting metals from rocks

  A straightforward class experiment in which copper metal is extracted from a 'copper ore' containing basic copper(II) carbonate, CuCO~3~.Cu(OH)~2~, by reaction with carbon.

• Extracting metals with charcoal

  This extraction experiment consists of two competition reactions in each of which a metal oxide is reacted with carbon, in the form of charcoal.

• Displacement reactions between metals and their salts

  An experiment in which metals displace less reactive metals from solutions of their salts.

• The reaction between zinc and copper oxide

  An experiment to illustrate the difference in reactivity between zinc and copper and hence the idea of competition reactions.

• 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.

• 'Cannon' fire

  An explosive demonstration involving the combustion of ethanol in the presence of potassium manganate(VII) and hydrogen peroxide.

• 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.

• Preventing rusting

  This interesting and engaging experiment can be performed either as a class practical or as a demonstration. A corrosion indicator is used, so the results are obtained quickly in comparison with other practicals investigating rusting.

• The ‘breathalyser’ reaction

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

• The oxidation of alcohols

  Acidified potassium dichromate(VI) is added to a variety of alcohols and their different reactions are observed.

• The real reactivity of aluminium

  In this demonstration the oxide coating on aluminium foil is removed with sodium hydroxide and mercury(II) chloride. The exposed aluminium reacts rapidly with oxygen in the air to reform the oxide.

• The copper envelope

  Copper foil is folded and heated. The outside reacts with oxygen to produce the oxide while the inside remains unchanged.

• The causes of rusting

  In this class experiment, students subject iron nails to variety of conditions to find out which are necessary for rusting to take place.

• How much air is used during rusting?

  In this class experiment, students set up iron wool to rust in a test tube full of air inverted in a beaker of water. This can be used to find the percentage of oxygen in the air.

• The combustion of iron wool

  In this quick demonstration, iron wool is heated on a simple ‘see-saw’ balance and the increase in mass is shown.

• Rechargeable commercial cells: the lead-acid accumulator

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

• The thermite reaction

  A classic demonstration illustrating competition between metals for oxygen. Aluminium powder reacts with iron(III) oxide in a spectacular manner.

• Where does carbon come in the reactivity series?

  This experiment helps to determine the position of carbon in the reactivity series.

• 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.

• Microscale extraction of copper

  This experiment involves reducing copper oxide to copper using hydrogen on a small scale so it is safe for students to perform themselves.

• 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.

• Extraction of iron on a match head!

  A mini-scale experiment to extract iron by carbon reduction.

• 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.

• Sulfuric acid as a dehydrating agent

  Two short demonstrations which highlight the dehydrating properties of sulfuric acid.

• 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.

• Measuring heat energy of fuels

  Measuring the heat energy produced by the combustion of alcohols