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Bubbling Oscillator (Manganese-catalyzed Bromate-Malonic Acid Reaction) Description Three white solids are added in a specific order to a colorless solution. After the addition of the third solid, the solution turns orange and then turns colorless again after about 75 seconds. The color of the solution then oscillates between orange and colorless while bubbling. This will continue for about 10 minutes. Explanation
The chemistry behind "oscillating clock reactions" is very complicated, but
essentially what is being seen in this reaction is the appearance and
disappearance of elemental bromine (which is an orange/brownish color). The
bubbles that are produced are carbon dioxide. This reaction is an oxidation
reduction reaction, which means that one of the things that happens during
reaction is that electrons are exchanged. Some of the chemicals end up
with more electrons (making them negatively charged) and some chemicals end up
with fewer electrons (making them positively charged).
Oscillating clock reactions are fascinating because they go back and forth
from one state to another until all the energy is used up. Think of an
oscillating clock reaction as a cycle, like the cycle of waking up and then
going to sleep at night. You use up your energy during the day (while you are
orange) and then at night you build the energy back up (while you are
colorless). :)
still have questions? email us! explanation furnished by Colorado College's Brittney Thall and Keri Nelson
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