On February 21, Chemistry students participated in a chemical reactions lab. There were seven different stations around the room, each with their own elements and instructions on how to test them. Students were required to take notes on each reaction, recording their observations of what happened, what the reactants are, the type of reaction that occurred, and write a balanced chemical equation for each station.
The five types of reactions are synthesis, decomposition, single displacement, double displacement, and combustion. Each reaction impacts the chemical equation in a unique way which leads to varied outcomes.
Each station had a different experiment as well as different reactants and products. Some of the reactants that were used in this lab are Magnesium, Hydrochloric Acid, Calcium Carbonate, Paraffin wax, Oxygen, Sodium Bicarbonate, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Carbonate, Zinc, and Copper Sulfate. Once the experiment goes underway, a variety of products are produced from water, to hydrogen gas.
An especially notable synthesis reaction was that between magnesium and oxygen to make magnesium oxide, which emits an incredibly bright light. This particular reaction is used in fireworks and in flash powder, flares, and theatrical special effects.