{"id":53799,"date":"2025-10-05T05:19:19","date_gmt":"2025-10-04T20:19:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phys-edu.net\/wp\/?p=53799"},"modified":"2025-10-05T05:19:19","modified_gmt":"2025-10-04T20:19:19","slug":"the-science-thriller-the-magical-ammonia-fountain-and-the-1-in-3-chance-of-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phys-edu.net\/wp\/?p=53799&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"The Science Thriller: The Magical Ammonia Fountain and the 1-in-3 Chance of Success!"},"content":{"rendered":"

I’m Kuwako Ken, a Science Trainer. Every day is an experiment.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A bright red fountain erupting inside a flask… Have you heard of the magical “Ammonia Fountain Experiment”? Many of you might have seen it demonstrated in a science class. This beautiful phenomenon is actually a compact, fascinating science experiment that utilizes “a surprising property” of ammonia gas.<\/p>\n

This time, I’ll share the gripping, dramatic results from when I took on the Ammonia Fountain Experiment, and reveal the scientific secrets hidden behind its stunning beauty!<\/p>\n

\n

Taking on the Ammonia Fountain Experiment! What was the Dramatic 1 Win, 2 Loss Result?<\/h3>\n

Hello everyone! Today, I challenged myself with one of the most popular science demonstrations: the “Ammonia Fountain Experiment”!<\/p>\n

The preparation for the experiment is simple. We mix and heat two types of white powders, ammonium chloride (NH
\n4
\n\u200b
\nCl) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)
\n2
\n\u200b
\n), to generate ammonia gas (NH
\n3
\n\u200b
\n). The chemical reaction equation looks like this:<\/p>\n

2NH\u2084Cl + Ca(OH)\u2082 \u27f6 2NH\u2083 + CaCl\u2082 + 2H\u2082O<\/b><\/p>\n

Using about 3g each of the ammonium chloride and calcium hydroxide in this reaction should theoretically generate about 1.3L of ammonia. With this much gas, I was confident it would work! Here are the chemical structures of the substances involved in the reaction.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

The Experimental Method and the ‘Secret’ to Success<\/h3>\n

There are a few key points necessary to succeed with the ammonia fountain experiment.<\/p>\n

1. Mix the Chemicals
\nMeasure 3g each of ammonium chloride and calcium hydroxide and mix them well. Always wear safety goggles during this step.<\/p>\n

2. Generate and Collect the Ammonia
\nPut the mixed chemicals into a test tube and gently heat them with a Bunsen burner. Collect the generated ammonia gas in a dry round-bottom flask. There are three key points here!<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Ensure good ventilation: Ammonia has a strong, irritating odor and is dangerous if inhaled in high concentrations.<\/li>\n
  • Slightly lower the mouth of the test tube: This chemical reaction also produces water (H
    \n2
    \n\u200b
    \nO). If the mouth of the test tube is not lowered, the generated water can flow back to the heated area, risking the test tube cracking.<\/li>\n
  • Collect the ammonia correctly: Ammonia is lighter than air. Therefore, it should be collected using the downward displacement of air method, with the mouth of the flask pointing downwards. A key trick for success is inserting the glass tube deep into the flask and collecting the gas by pushing the air out of the flask.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \"\"The trick is to bring the tip of the tube to the upper part of the round-bottom flask when collecting the gas. Imagine filling the flask from the top down. Also, using a larger flask increases the probability of success!<\/p>\n

    3. Be Careful of the Pungent Odor!
    \nWhen checking the ammonia odor, keep your face away from the test tube and use your hand to waft the smell toward your nose. Never inhale it directly.<\/p>\n

    \n

    The Results… A Dramatic 1 Win, 2 Losses!<\/h3>\n

    I had succeeded twice in the preliminary tests and felt completely confident, thinking, “Oh, I’ve got this!” But when it came time for the actual lesson… The result was a dramatic 1 win and 2 losses! We failed twice and succeeded only once. We shared the frustration with the students, realizing, “Experiments don’t always go by the book…” However, the joy of that one successful moment was unparalleled! The classroom erupted in a huge cheer of “Oooh!”<\/p>\n

    \n

    The Moment of Success! The Mystery of the Beautiful Red Fountain<\/h3>\n

    Here is what the successful experiment looked like!<\/p>\n