C1 Iron acetat solution
Theory
There are a lot of different substances in the world.
One group of these substances is called metals. In this experiment we will look at iron.
When we think about metals, we normally think about the solid materials. The small particles - so called atoms - that metals and (almost) everything else are made of exist in different forms as well and form compounds that look completely different.
In this experiment we will take solid iron and together with acetic acid (vinegar essence) they form iron acetate.
Compounds with metal atoms inside that are desolved in water are also called electrolytes (because they make the water more conductive for electricity).
What do you need?
Iron source (nail,...), vinegar essence (= concentrated vinegar, don't get it into eyes or mouth, immediatly wash your hands if you get anything onto them), file (to hone down the iron and get small iron particles).
What do you have to do?
Try to grind the iron into small chips or powder (otherwise it will take longer).
Put the iron powder into a small cup and add the vinegar essence.
Note: Because the vinegar essence smells pretty strongly, try to do the experiment at a well ventilated place or even outdoors.
Now you have to wait. If you grinded the iron down well, it will take a few hours. If you did it poorly, you will have to wait a few days.
The previously white vinegar essence will react with the iron (you may see small hydrogen bubbles) and the colour of the solution will change. Wait until it gets a rich colour.
To continue onto the next experiment, write the colour of the resulting solution (just small letters).
Nail in vinegar essence
