Bright lights. Bad smells. Chemical reactions

One of the hallmarks of a good chemist is knowing your chemical reactions. Year 11 ATAR Chemistry students have been exploring a variety of reaction favourites.

 

2Mg + O2 = 2MgO

Burning magnesium metal ribbon forming a bright light.

 

CuCO3 = CuO + CO2

Lilac and Shadlin decomposing copper carbonate by heating with a Bunsen burner, it forms copper oxide, carbon dioxide and an unpleasant smell.