Chemistry Demonstrations

One of the barriers to engaging with the community in outreach events is preparing content that is appropriate to the audience, which presents a different set of challenges than presenting research at a conference. This repository contains inspiration for demonstrations that can be used to engage with audiences and as a starting point for discussions about science and careers in chemistry.

Wimshurst Machine

The Wimshurst machine is a simple, portable electrostatic generator that makes for a great demo for a variety of audiences. Tribocharging The triboelectric effect describes the development of net charge that develops when two dissimilar materials are brought into contact. Laser printing, which is based on Xerogrpahy uses this principle to charge toner particles that stick selectively to a drum that has been patterned with light. But the most familiar manifestation of tribocharging is the static electricity that gives you a little shock when you touch a metal object like a door knob. That electricity results from the net charge that develops from your feet repeatedly contacting the floor.

Experiments from CGSA National Chemistry Week

These are demonstrations that were curated by the Chemistry Graduate Student Association for National Chemistry Week.