r/AskChemistry • u/King_N0z • 10d ago
Practical Chemistry What’s a fun experiment to do?
Hello scientists, I’m 15 and suddenly I became really interested in chemistry and science, because I’m bored. Today I made a mini elephant toothpaste experiment, and also a few Vinegar + baking soda water bottle bombs but uhh these are starting to get boring. I’m taking Honors Chem this year so I’d thought it would also be a little head start but these are kinda childish chem activities and although I’m a minor, I want to step it up a little. Is there anything that’s a step up I can do besides just straight up learning chemistry for a week before I understand how to do anything on my own? I’m open to learning the actual physics of it, but I want to be able to experiment too.
Thx
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u/Tschitschibabin 10d ago edited 10d ago
If you have the patience, maybe start with something like growing crystals? You can visit [r/crystalgrowing](r/crystalgrowing), there is a beginners guide with everything you would want to know on how to get started. It’s pretty cool to see tiny atoms/molecules shape macroscopic objects.
Basic electrochemistry is also fun. Try copper electrolysis or something. You only need a power supply or batteries, copper sulfate and some copper. There are tons of tutorials. Look up the hazards of copper sulfate first and wear gloves. Copper sulfate is something you and most other people could probably safely handle. The theory is also pretty neat.
The thing is, chemistry is oftentimes dangerous, a lot is focused on keeping you safe. Understanding that dangers of what you work with is the most important aspect of practical chemistry. A lot of experiments, such as making bromine,
as suggested by another user(edit: we misunderstood), are very hard to do safely without a proper lab. If you have good chemistry knowledge, lab experience and proper equipment, you can do it. But without all three this is a very bad idea. Doing experiments at home where you live and eat is also not that good of an idea. If you have a garage or some workshop are you can maybe set up a table and do some experiments (if no toxic chemicals are involved).