The activities in this section include experiments on the reactions of some of the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. Experiments covering pollution and environmental chemistry are also included.
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
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The reaction between carbon dioxide and water
The acidic nature of carbon dioxide in solution in water is explored using exhaled air as the source of the gas, leading to an explanation of the reaction involved.
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The density of carbon dioxide
The density of carbon dioxide relative to air is illustrated by pouring carbon dioxide gas from a flask over a burning candle, which is promptly extinguished.
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The Greenhouse Effect
The role of atmospheric gases, in particular carbon dioxide, in ‘trapping’ radiation energy, causing a rise in the Earth’s temperature – the greenhouse effect – can be demonstrated using a powerful lamp.
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Acid in the air
This activity explores the corrosion of metals in air, including the effect of sulfur dioxide in air as a pollutant. This can be followed by an investigation into ways of preventing corrosion of metals by acidic pollutants.
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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.
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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.
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Identifying the products of combustion
A simple demonstration to identify the gaseous products of the combustion of hydrocarbons.
