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Topic: "Beginner" experiments  (Read 6863 times)

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Offline KingofSpades

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"Beginner" experiments
« on: April 07, 2011, 07:12:26 PM »
Disclaimer: I have searched and found only 1 similar topic with a limited number of responses

My level of knowledge is probably between secondary school and university. My experience thus far has been wholly theoretical, to suit the exams I've sat. I would now like to perform experiments in the home/garden/garage. I will be able to purchase most things that are legally purchasable and within the limits of a students budget ie. small quantities of chemicals and basic glassware; could somebody suggest me some experiments that you think would be suited to my level and budget. thanks!

Offline hobobot

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Re: "Beginner" experiments
« Reply #1 on: April 07, 2011, 08:54:54 PM »
Well, assuming, like you said, that you saw http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=33177.0 already
then...
Try making something useful. You'll be more likely to pursue your interests if you make something you actually use.
-Like making Sodium Hypochlorite (don't try and make it pure....things will not end well for you)
-Practice distilling by making essential oils (Lavender and orange oil is easy)
-Make biodiesel.

My roommate and I played this game once where you start with a few cheap salts, H2SO4, HCL, NaOH, and whatever junk was in the cleaning closet. Then we tried to see what  the most complicated molecule we could make was.

-Glassware is cheap on ebay. That's where I got most of my stuff.

Oh and keep these forums bookmarked. There's always something going on here.

Offline billnotgatez

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Re: "Beginner" experiments
« Reply #2 on: April 08, 2011, 08:34:54 PM »
I like this web site

http://www.cavemanchemistry.com/

Some topics that give ideas

Fire
Stone Tools
Unit Factor Analysis
Fermentation
Ceramics
Textiles
Metathesis Reactions
Alkali
Metals
Lime and Plaster
Redox Reactions
Dyes
Glass and Glazes
Paper
Stoichiometry
Alcohol
Gunpowder
Acid
Soap
Soda
Batteries
Aniline Dyes
Photography
Ammonia
Electrochemicals
Pharmaceuticals
Fertilizers
Plastics


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