Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: nemo on 18/09/2008 19:29:59

Title: Anyone know what's going on here?
Post by: nemo on 18/09/2008 19:29:59
Hello from a newbie! I am a science teacher and have come across this video of the ammonium dichromate volcano with a twist. (It's well worth watching)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9_MHwCNGNA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9_MHwCNGNA)

Does anyone have any idea what's been added to it? Many, many thanks for any help.
Title: Anyone know what's going on here?
Post by: Evie on 18/09/2008 19:44:28
It seems to be those black snakes or "pharoah's snakes" that you can buy at a fireworks store. They used to be made of mercuric thiocyanate. You can make your own at home out of baking soda and sugar. Here's a link to a recipe: http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistryhowtoguide/a/blacksnakes.htm