Cool Reaction Ideas for English Presentation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around ideas for a presentation involving chemical reactions that can be performed in a classroom setting. Participants explore various reactions, particularly those involving water and reactive metals, while considering safety and feasibility.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests a reaction with water to create a small explosion, recalling a previous experience from grade 9 science.
  • Another participant proposes using potassium or sodium metal, noting their reactivity and the colors of the flames produced.
  • A question is raised about the chemical equation for the reaction of potassium with water, with a follow-up correction regarding the formation of potassium hydroxide instead of potassium oxide.
  • Some participants express that the reaction with water is uninteresting and suggest using sulfuric acid instead, with a warning about the dangers involved.
  • There are humorous and sarcastic remarks about performing dangerous experiments, including suggestions that could lead to hazardous situations.
  • A participant advises against encouraging dangerous stunts with chemicals, emphasizing the importance of safety in a classroom environment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the suitability and safety of various chemical reactions for the presentation. While some suggest more exciting reactions, others caution against the risks involved, indicating a lack of consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss reactions that may not be safe for a classroom setting, highlighting the need for caution and consideration of appropriate environments for such experiments.

bayan
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cool reaction!

Hi there, I am going to have to make a presentation for my English class next month, and since we are allowed to do about anything I was just looking around for some cool ideas and maybe some explanation of what happened.

Yes it is for my English work.

I reaction must be resenable as it is not going to be done in a lab. I is going to be done in a normal class room.

I was thinking about reacting something with water to give me some sort of a small explosion (Like fireworks) or something like that which I cannot clearly remember(This was done sometime a go in my grade 9 science).

Any other comment is deeply welcomed.


Thanx
 
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LOL. A very small bead of potassium or sodium metal done.
Store them in paraffin oil. Only a very small piece. They are very reactive. Be aware of it!
Potassium gives lilac flame while sodium gives golden yellow flame. DO NOT PUT THEM IN ANY ACID INSTEAD.
 
I know this might be asking too much.

but what goes on in the reaction?

2K+H2O--->K2O+2H

Is that right(Assuming it is pure water) or is there missing chemichal?
 
Close enough, but the oxide gets very easily hydrated, so :
[tex]2K + 2H_2O \longrightarrow 2KOH + H_2 ~[/tex] and this is hardly asking for too much.
 
The reaction with water is higly uninteresting.:yukk:You should try it with sulphuric acid...:devil:

Daniel.

P.S.You may want to heat the acid,first...:devil:
 
dextercioby said:
The reaction with water is higly uninteresting.:yukk:You should try it with sulphuric acid...:devil:

Daniel.

P.S.You may want to heat the acid,first...:devil:
LOL, and while you at it, why not hod it under the water/acid with your bare hand to keep it submerged.

sounds like dextercioby knows the formula for disaster
 
It doesn't work,the acid will "eat" the Na instantly.I would have advised to keep his face over the Berzelius glass to get a better look at it...Those 1.1 seconds would have remained "fresh" on his face for a long while...:devil:

Daniel.
 
Please do not encourage students to perform dangerous stunts with chemicals.

bayan,

I strongly recommend that you do not attempt to make any kind of "small explosion" in a classroom. Your English teacher will probably concur.

- Warren
 

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