Silver Tree
Description: A copper sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree is placed in a solution of silver nitrate. The silver is spontaneously reduced on the copper to form silver crystals.
Source: UW Card Catalog
Year: N/A Vol. N/A Page: N/A
Keywords: Copper tree, Silver nitrate, Redox, Silver, Spontaneous
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Acute toxicity hazard – oral, dermal
- Aquatic toxicity hazard
- Electric shock hazard
- Serious eye damage
- Corrosive to metals
- Oxidizer
Effectiveness: Good
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Results are observable without guidance
- High reliability
- Time to results is high
- Mild effects are seen by audience
Difficulty: Low
- Simple manipulations for most to perform
- Single step procedures
- Demos in which a display is used
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Absorbent materials on hand
- Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet if video feed is used
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
- Avoid exposure to droplets, mists or vapors
Class: Redox Reactions, Electrochemistry
Division: General Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry
Return to Inorganic Chemistry Demonstrations