Lemon Marvels: 3 Surprising Experiments You Can Do At Home

Video Submission for Fe STEM Teacher Challenge 2023

In this video, I share three simple yet eye-catching demonstrations that teachers can use to teach different concepts in Chemistry.

🍋 DEMONSTRATION 1: FLAMMABLE FRUIT 🍋
You can use this to illustrate the flammable properties of limonene, a natural compound found abundantly in lemon peels.

CONNECT:
Lower Secondary Science: Limonene as a volatile compound and linking to the concept of diffusion.
Upper Secondary Chemistry: Hydrocarbons, complete/incomplete combustion.
Post-secondary: Flash point

EXTEND:
Would limonene be a good option in the search for a sustainable fuel?
Based on its structure, what other chemical properties would limonene have?

CHALLENGE:
Investigate whether this experiment would work using the peels of other citrus fruits.

🍋 DEMONSTRATION 2: LEMON VS. BALLOON 🍋
Witness the incredible "power" of a lemon as we squeeze its peel towards a balloon, causing it to burst.

CONNECT:
Upper Secondary Chemistry: Solubility of hydrocarbons
Post-secondary: Polar and non-polar substances

EXTEND:
Would limonene have a similar effect on other materials such as a Styrofoam cup?
Why is it important that certain substances be stored in containers made of an appropriate material?

CHALLENGE:
Investigate whether other organic compounds or essential oils can burst a ballon.

TROUBLESHOOTING:
If the balloon does not burst, ensure that the limonene vapours come into contact with a concentrated spot on the balloon. Also make sure that the balloon is blown up fully.

🍋 DEMONSTRATION 3: INVISIBLE INK 🍋
Ever wondered how lemons could have a secret talent for erasing ink? In this experiment, we demonstrate the magical effect of using citric acid in lemon juice to erase highlighter ink.

CONNECT:
Lower/Upper Secondary Chemistry: Acids, Bases, pH, Indicators
Post-secondary: pKa, structural changes of limonene, delocalisation and conjugation, florescence

EXTEND:
What uses does pyranine have besides a highlighter ink?
Use ammonia vapours to develop the colour instead.

CHALLENGE:
Develop your own erasable/colour-changing stationery products by applying this concept.

TROUBLESHOOTING:
If the yellow colour does not reappear after applying sodium carbonate, your ink mixture is too diluted. Try using more ink extract from the highlighter, and less lemon juice.

👨🏻‍🔬What other concepts can you demonstrate using a lemon?

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✨ Always question, always wonder!

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CREDITS:
YOUTUBE: Music by LiQWYD

INSTAGRAM: Music by @LiQWYD

Let the music flow!

Image on Pyranine: