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 for most to perform
- 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
- Sodium bicarbonate on hand
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Properties of Solutions, Solubility, Intermolecular Forces
Division: General
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