======Ammonia Fountain====== **Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\ **Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\ **Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\ \\ **Categories:** {{$demo.categories}} \\ **Alternative titles:** [ ***** ] ====Summary==== {{$demo.summary}} ====Procedure==== - Generate [[demonstrations:production_of_ammonia_gas|ammonia]] gas by gently heating a mixture of ammonium chloride and calcium hydroxide in a test tube. - Pass the ammonia through a drying tube to remove moisture. - Collect the dry ammonia in a sealed, dry flask kept warm until use. - Set up the flask inverted in a water trough with a jet tube connected. - Add phenolphthalein indicator to the water in the trough. - Inject a small amount of water into the flask using a syringe. - Observe as the ammonia dissolves in the water, lowering pressure inside the flask. - Watch the water rush into the flask, creating a “fountain” effect and turning pink from the alkaline solution. ====Links==== Ammonia Fountain - North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics: {{youtube>gMqRxbv_IW8?}}\\ The Ammonia Fountain - Super Cool Science - Explained - Jon Bergmann: {{youtube>PDTUvKKtmHg?}}\\ 📄 Ammonia fountain - Dynamic Science: [[https://www.dynamicscience.com.au/tester/solutions1/chemistry/chemicaldemos/ammonia.html]]\\ ====Variations==== * Use different indicators (e.g., universal indicator) to show color changes. ====Safety Precautions==== * Eye protection required. * Perform the experiment in a fume cupboard due to toxic ammonia gas. * Handle hot glassware and chemicals with care. * Ensure the collection flask is completely dry before use, as moisture reduces effectiveness. * Clamp apparatus securely to prevent tipping. * Do not inhale ammonia gas; ensure good ventilation. ====Questions to Consider==== * Why does the water rush into the flask so quickly? * How does the solubility of ammonia in water compare with other gases? * What role does the indicator play in this experiment? * What chemical species are present in the solution after ammonia dissolves? * How would the demonstration change if the flask contained air instead of ammonia?