The Magical Chemistry Show
John takes us on an approximately one hour tour of our three familiar states of matter …liquids solids and gases. He greets us with magic writing then unites the entire audience in demonstrating basic properties of the three states. He starts with looking at how liquids can rapidly change colour and provide surprises when they burn. He then, using his wand, takes us into the solid phase with a demonstration of why you should be careful when eating biscuits. John shows us a sample of a ‘mole’ of solid subliming and its ‘mole’ of gas expanding to inflate a glove illustrating the great difference in volume occupied by the states of matter. In addition he reveals how this gas is responsible for acid rain and used in fire extinguishers. The demonstration traps the gas in foam – be warned make sure you know the gas trapped as their properties vary enormously particularly when exposed to ignition sources! One gas produces foam that resembles elephant toothpaste and another can be used to power rockets. Gases are shown to have different properties when exposed to ignition sources. John then demonstrates some properties of the liquid form of our most abundant atmospheric gas – nitrogen. This illustrates the law describing the direct proportionality between temperature and volume. John finishes the show with ‘barking dogs’ which demonstrate chemiluminescence in the gas phase.
The show is ideal for family audiences and children as young as 5 can easily enjoy it. They should be warned that there will be loud bangs, bright lights and smoke.