Magic Chemistry - precipitates |
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Clever magicians use chemistry to fool those that are not familiar with the wonders of chemistry. We can identify if a chemical reaction has occurred by observing: |
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Now the trick for any magician is to set the scene and create the illusion of something magic happening. In reality it is simple chemistry. There is a, special language, that chemists speak with to identify the type of chemicals that will be produced and needed. One magician wanted to make a yellow flower magically appear to grow from top down in the water as shown on the right. Click to see how this was done. When requesting the material from the technician the magician needs to specify the items that are needed in a very detailed manner. This includes the names of the chemicals that will be used. |
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Chemistry has its own language and symbols which the magician must be familiar with this in order to execute the magic trick. Precipitates are coloured solids that are formed when two solutions are mixed together. Magicians use such reactions to create the illusion of making blood from water or even pineapple juice.
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A magician wishes to perform a magic trick where they form blood from water. This is a very simple trick and is shown on the right. It is simple only if you know the chemical names of the substances you wish to mix. When the magician orders the chemicals from the laboratory they must mention the chemical names of the substances they wish to react or mix together. When mixed these two solutions will form a bright red solid called silver chromate.
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Click for the exercises on how to name the precipitate. |