UNR Chemistry Outreach

07/27/2023

06/30/2023

Clay demonstrates the explosive potential of different gasses 🎈💥

06/29/2023

So awesome to have our Dean's Future Scholars join us for some fun experiments!

06/29/2023

Elephant toothpaste with Clay!

04/09/2023

03/31/2023

UNR Reynold's Sandbox did a piece on our outreach program! Watch it here.

16 Likes, 3 Comments - Reynolds Sandbox () on Instagram: "Charlotte Italiano reports on the University of Nevada Reno’s chemistry out..."

03/28/2023

Katie is demonstrating how scientists use universal pH indicators to tell us how the pH of a solution changes. Universal pH indicators, when mixed in a solution, change color depending on whether the pH is acidic (7.00). This is really important when we are working with proteins and other biological molecules that only function properly in a certain pH. There are many different universal pH indicators that can vary in the range of pH they indicate. Katie first adds a dilute sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to the solution which is very basic. Next, she adds some dry ice (frozen CO2). As the CO2 sublimes, carbonic acid is created in the solution which drops the pH and causes the universal indicator to change color.

03/17/2023

The old exploding gummy bear trick! Potassium chlorate is melted at a high temperature which creates an oxygen rich environment inside the tube. Once the sugary gummy bear is introduced to the tube, it rapidly oxidizes in an exothermic reaction that produces CO2, water, and heat. This is what happens inside our body when we consume sugars and the energy is collected through aerobic respiration to produce energy in the form of ATP. However, in our bodies the reaction is broken down into many small steps, and energy is collected gradually so we don't spontaneously combust!

0 Likes, 0 Comments - UNR Chemistry Outreach () on Instagram: "The old exploding gummy bear trick! Potassium chlorate is melted at a high temperature which crea..."

03/14/2023

In the early 1900s people used to travel in zeppelins, aircraft similar to blimps, except they were filled with flammable hydrogen instead of helium. That is, until the Hindenburg disaster of 1937. An unknown ignition source caused a spark and the Hindenburg quickly went up in flames, killing many travelers aboard. Here, Keely demonstrates the differences in flammability between the two gases.

03/14/2023

Kemi shows our students how the heat capacity of water can save this balloon from a hot flame.

03/10/2023

Katie shows some high school students what happens when you mix dry ice and soap!

03/10/2023

Elephant Toothpaste is always a hit! No matter the age.