Paramagnetism of Transition Metal Salts
Description: Small vials of various salts are suspended by a thread. They can be attracted by a strong magnet. This experiment may also be performed on a tray under a document camera with a hand held magnet.
This demonstration is also available on video and JCE “Chemistry Comes Alive!” Vol. 2 CD-Rom
Source: UW Card Catalog
Year: 1999 Vol: 2 Page: 1311
Keywords: Metal salts, Magnet, Oxidation state, Crystal structure, Valence
Rating: 
Hazard: Some
- Uses sealed containers
- Strong magnetic field
- Acute toxicity hazard
- Carcinogenicity hazard
- Aquatic toxicity hazard
- Germ cell mutagenicity hazard
Effectiveness: Average
- Results are observable with guidance
- Good reliability
- Demo somewhat connected conceptually with course material
- Time to results is low
- System contrast is low
Difficulty: Medium
- Manipulation with strong magnetic fields
- Precise manipulations
- Demos in which display is used
- Simple procedures
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Avoid contact with ferro magnetic objects
- Absorbent material on hand
- Use UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
Class: Bonding, Atomic Structure, Solid State Chemistry
Division: General, Inorganic Chemistry, Material Science
Home| General Chemistry Demonstrations| Inorganic Chemistry Demonstrations| Solid State Chemistry Demonstrations