Ora et labora
~St. Benedict

Monday, April 7, 2014

Oxidation with atoms and molecules

Big T is still enjoying the science experiments presented in Apologia's Exploring Creation with Physical Science.

In this experiment, he needed:

9 volt battery
Wire crimpers or scissors              

Water
Small glass
Baking soda
Measuring spoon (1 tsp)
Plastic spoon to stir
2 coated copper wires
Tape
Safety glasses
Notebook to record data
Pen or pencil

What he did:

He filled his glass about 3/4 full of water & stirred in 1 teaspoon of baking soda.  The 1 teaspoon of baking soda ended up not being enough, so he added 2 more later.  Next, he took the wire crimpers and stripped off 1/4 inch of the insulation or coating on both ends of the wires. 

Here's the tricky part - He attached one of the stripped ends (can use tape) on one of the battery terminals, then repeated with the second wire & was careful not to let the loose ends touch each other. Then, he placed the loose wires into the water (without touching one another).

Bubbles started forming in the water once the additional baking soda was added.  The book said to leave the wires in the water for 10 minutes and when he did that, the wires turned different colors.



He let the experiment run for a much longer duration, probably about 20 minutes.  He noticed that the water started to turn green as well.




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