Purdue chemistry show returns to the classics
September 24, 2015
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Paul E. Smith, director of lecture demonstrations for Purdue's chemistry department, performs a demonstration with audience participants during a show. (Purdue University photo/Steven Scherer) |
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University's annual chemistry show will return to the classics to demonstrate basic principles of chemistry on Oct. 3.
The show, titled "Classical demonstrations of chemical phenomena," begins at 10:30 a.m. in Wetherill Laboratory of Chemistry, Room 200. The show is free and open to the public and the demonstrations are geared for children and adults of all ages.
During the show, Paul Smith, lecture demonstration director for Purdue's Department of Chemistry, will draw upon audience participants and a variety of techniques to illustrate chemical principles. Demonstrations will include:
* A "race" designed to illustrate lessons in chemical concentration, measurement and rate of change. Audience participants will compete to produce reactions that cause chemicals to progressively change in color.
* A bubbly brew created to show how the surface tension and composition of solutions work together in producing mixtures.
* A candlelight lesson designed to present information on simple combustion reactions.
* Dividing water and show a modern day use of these products in a fuel cell.
* Burning paper with super-heated water.
The Department of Chemistry sponsors the show. Additional information is available at https://www.chem.purdue.edu/chemshow/
Media contact: Elizabeth K. Gardner, 765-494-2081, ekgardner@purdue.edu
Writer and source: Paul E. Smith, 765-494-5307, psmith4@purdue.edu
