Acids and Bases- Multiple Ammonia Fountain

Multiple Ammonia Fountain

Description: A multiple  ammonia fountain is made by filling several flasks in series with ammonia gas. A few drops of water in the first flask dissolves the ammonia, creating a vacuum that draws in liquid from below. The liquid contains universal indicator, which changes color as more ammonia is dissolved into it.

This demonstration is also available on video and JCE “Chemistry Comes Alive!” Vol.2 CD-Rom.

Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry

Year: 1989 Vol: 3  Page: 92

Keywords: Fountain effect, Gases, Solubility, Intermolecular forces, Entropy, Indicators

Rating:

Hazard: Medium

• Acute toxicity  hazard
• Inhalation hazard
• Aquatic toxicity hazard
• Skin corrosion hazard
• Corrosive to metals
• Serious eye damage
• Implosion hazard

Effectiveness: Excellent

• Deep connection to course material
• Results clearly observable without guidance
• Counterintuitive effects
• Time to results is low
• Good reliability

Difficulty: Low

• Simple procedures
• Simple manipulations
• Some intermediate steps to results
• Demos at non-standard conditions

Safety Precautions:

• Eye protection required
• Gloves required
• Perform in a well-ventilated area
• Downdraft hood recommended
• Absorbent materials on hand
• Avoid exposure to gases, mists, and vapors
• Sodium bicarbonate on hand
• Prevent release of reagents to the environment

Class: Properties of Solutions,  Solubility, Intermolecular Forces, Gas Laws, Acids and Bases

Division: General

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