It was a great opportunity to pop into the Chemistry Labs with the camera...
Mr Thompson was conducting a demonstration of Reaction Rates/Catalysis with the L6th Form.
Hydrogen Peroxide oxidises Potassium Sodium Tartrate to Carbon Dioxide. The reaction is catalysed by Colbalt(II) Chloride. When these salts are mixed a reaction is caused and after the initial froth then comes the colour changes from pink to green then returning back to pink again.
Dr Osborne performed an Analysis and Flame/Gas Test with the 5th Form.
Here they were identifying negative ions and three unknown compounds with acids or solutions. In the Flame/Gas Test pupils were testing for metal ions. Like they do in fireworks, metal ions contain a common ion to give them a distinctive colour and so the flame test is often used to identify several metals (Lithium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride and Calcium Chloride).
Gaynor White - Science Technician