Demo Name Brief Description Demo Notes Demo # Type of Item
Tyndal effect-chemical sunset on overhead projector Na thiosulfate and HCl; disproportionation.  Can be tricky.  A cardboard sheet containing a small hole is placed on the overhead projector.  A solution is added to beaker containing a different solution which changes the color of the light projected to resemble a sun set.   65 Demonstration
Polarizers Plastic between polarizers, sugar rotates light, kaleidoscoptical sugar rotation.  One sheet is taped to a flashlight.  The other sheet is rotated until light from the flashlight is obstructed. Also on Shakashiri tape 1 # 19; tape III #43 108 Demonstration
Polarizers One sheet is taped to a flashlight.  The other sheet is rotated until light from the flashlight is obstructed. Shakashiri tape 1 # 19; tape III #43 M37 Movie
Neon lights experiment Tesla coil and gas tubes - the gases are excited, then give off light characteristic of the gas   3 Demonstration
Flame tests of metals metal solutions, wire loop or soaked splints - the colors are characteristic of the metal salt   4 Demonstration
Combustion of magnesium in carbon dioxide (dry ice block) The burning is bright enough to light up the entire lecture hall   16 Demonstration
Chemiluminescence DMSO, KOH, luminol shaken for reaction, or longer lasting solution in COOL sign.  Chemicals are mixed and glow in the dark. The potassium hydroxide version can be carefully passed around and shaken.  The cool version is good for chem circuses.  Also on Shakhashiri tape 1 #5 oxidation of luminol; Close up on Chemistry Ealy 26:36 (1:45 min) 27 Demonstration
Burning magnesium in air, pH effect Mg in air: Hold a 6" strip of Mg ribbon with big metal tongs.  Turn off room lights and light Mg with the propane torch (and turn off torch).  The Mg burns so brightly that you shouldn't look directly at it, or you will have trouble seeing for a minute or so.  pH effect: burn it over a watch glass and dissolve the ashes in deionized water containing phenolphthalein to show it turn pink.     68 Demonstration
Dispersion of visible light by prism on overhead projector Can use a flashlight to project the rainbow on the wall or ceiling, too.  Takes some practice to get a good spectrum. 301, 304K 95 Demonstration
Fluorescence due to chlorophyll from leaves Boil the leaves and observe the extract in a test tube.  Shine a flashlight on it to observe a reddish fluorescent tinge.  thionin 2 faced reaction.   Best in a small room. 113 Demonstration
glowing electric pickle-UT, the eyes of Texas are upon you UT is spelled out on a plastic grid using specially wired pickles.  The wires are plugged in causing the pickles to glow yellow orange.  A smaller version uses a single pickle stuck on nails of a board.   The small version can be available routinely, but the larger version takes a longer prep time-at least 1 hour.  Can have class sing the eyes of Texas while UT pickle glowing.   135 Demonstration
Florescence White florescence, fluorescence of tonic water, fluorescent dyes.  Paper and soaps are looked at with UV light, tonic water (even flat) looks blue due to quinine, flourescent dyes change colors with UV light vs visible   144 Demonstration
Chemiluminescence Chemicals are mixed and glow in the dark. Shakhashiri tape 1 #5 oxidation of luminol M6 Movie
Chemiluminescence Chemicals are mixed and glow in the dark.  Close up on Chemistry Ealy 26:36 (1:45 min) (Set timer to zero when first text rolls on screen.) M7 Movie
Reaction of sodium and chlorine Not available - may be able to do in a hood, outside, or tape demo for use in class. risk of chlorine gas release 07.x Demonstration