NIU will hold evening of chemistry demonstrations

The NIU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry invites the public to celebrate National Chemistry Week (October 17-23) with an evening of chemical demonstrations.

The demonstrations will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, in Faraday Hall 143. The theme is “Health and Wellness.”

One experiment will show how the calorie content of various foods is determined. “When we did that one last spring,” said Michael Spires, coordinator for recruitment and public relations in the department, “the fireworks produced from a single cheese puff were spectacular.”

Another demonstration, the “Chromate Volcano,” illustrates a reaction that is important in human nutrition. Chromium (III) is an essential nutrient for humans, while chromium (VI) is toxic and carcinogenic. “Without the ability to change chromium’s oxidation state from +6 to +3, we would be in a bad way,” Spires added.

Some of the experiments planned for the evening could involve loud noises and produce some smoke or unpleasant smells, and might not be appropriate for small children.

To ensure the safety of the audience and the presenters, flash photography is not permitted. At least for some experiments, members of the audience might be asked to leave their seats and move away from the demonstration area, again for safety reasons.

10-18-04