Oxidation States of potassium permanganate and Whoosh bottle experiment

This is the first experiment carry out with the new peoples. We have done two experiments on 2/8/2012.

First experiment

Apparatus and materials: Sodium hydroxide, NaOH

                                      Sugar

                                      Water

                                      Weak solution of potassium permanganate

Sodium hydroxide is mixed with sugar in water . Add weak solution of potassium permanganate to the mixture. Observe the colour change~! It will change from purple to green then to yellow. 

Explanation: Manganese in KMnO4 is in oxidation state +7. In a solution of NaOH and sugar, Manganese is reduced to its +6 (green) and +4 (yellow) oxidation states.

Here is a video of the experiment

Second experiment

Apparatus and materials: Plastic bottle

                                      Alcohol

                                      Lighter

Procedure:

Firstly, the plastic bottle is rinsed with a little of alcohol. Make sure all the sides of the bottle is covered by alcohol. The, the alcohol is poured out. CAUTIONS: the alcohol must be removed from the bottle to prevent fire that cannot put out!!! Later, the bottle is squeezed around 20 times so that the air can enter the bottle. Bring the lighter to the top of bottle and see what happens!!!

Oxygen + fire = combustion

Video for a rough idea on what is happening

Shiuan Yih.