Balloon Races – Ionization of Hydrochloric Acid and Acetic Acid
Coin-Operated Red, White, and Blue Fountain: Reaction of Nitric Acid and Copper
Conductivity and Extent of Dissociation of Acids and Bases
Fizzing Races: Ionization of HCl and Acetic Acid
Acid-Base Indicators Extracted from Plants
Acidic and Basic Properties of Oxides
Acidic and Basic Properties of Salts
Acidity of Aluminum Chloride in Solution
Amphoteric Properties of Aluminum Hydroxide
Classical Properties of Acids and Bases
Food is Acidic: Cleaners are Basic
Combustion Products of Sulfur
Description: Sulfur is burned and placed in a flask containing oxygen. Sulfur dioxide is produced and dissolves in water containing an indicator, which changes colors as the water becomes more acidic. This can be extended to an acid rain demonstration.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1989 Vol: 3 Page: 116
Keywords: Sulfur, Acid, Sulfur dioxide, Indicator, Combustion
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Acute toxicity
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Corrosive to metals
- Serious eye damage
- Flammable solids
Effectiveness: Excellent
- Results are deeply engaging to audience
- Obvious contrast in system behavior
- Negligible failure rate
- Experiment challenges preconceived concepts
- Good connection from demo to course material
Difficulty: Medium
- Use of reactive substances
- Some intermediate steps to results
- Potential for creation of toxic products
- Demos at non-standard conditions
- Some careful manipulations required
Safety Precautions:
- Fume hood or downdraft hood required
- Performance may be done outdoors
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Minimum observation distance is two meters
- Lab coat recommended
- Avoid exposure to vapors, mists, and gases
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
Class: Acids and Bases, Solubility, Combustion Reactions
Division: General
The demonstration Combustion Products of Sulfur may be found under Atoms and Molecules- Combustion Products of Sulfur.
Return to General Chemistry Demonstrations