Science extraordinaire uncovers magic behind chemistry
Derick Jones
Issue date: 3/4/10 Section: Life
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Gustavson, associate professor of Chemistry, has been teaching at LSUS since 1982 and performing his "magic" for over 25 years in the community, producing around 25-30 shows per year.
"Science experiments look like magic if and only if you don't understand the science behind it," said Gustavson.
The concept of his show is to reveal the true magic of science by breaking down experiments on a chemical level. However, the idea of creating the science show was not one of Gustavson's, but that of an education professional.
"My son's kindergarten teacher came to me before their school's career week and asked if I would be interested in speaking on behalf of science to the students," said Gustavson. "Of course, I agreed, but then wondered 'How would I possibly be able to speak about science to 5-year olds?'"
So instead of talking about science, he decided to show them.
He drew ideas from chemical research projects he had worked on in the past, including topics on synthesis, redistribution reactions and preparations of amino acids. Gustavson has spoken on all three topics at regional and national levels.
Safety goggles at the ready, Gustavson began his "magic" show.
First on the agenda included a color-changing patriotic solution test, followed by a density comparison of two seemingly alike blocks. The trick was that one block was made of lead and the other made of foam. He then went on to showcase another density trial by placing water into a graduated cylinder and then placing a 12 oz. can of Coke and a 12 oz. can of Diet Coke into the cylinder
The audience was then able to see the can of Diet Coke float while the Coke sunk.
"It's because of the amount of sugar. Eight teaspoons of sugar are found in Coke, causing the density to change. There is so much sugar in Coke that it is literally denser than water," said Gustavson.
Gustavson also showed the effects of Acetone on Styrofoam.
By placing a Styrofoam cup in a beaker and then filling the cup with Acetone, the audience was able to observe the disintegration of the cup, leaving it in a bubble-gum like state.
The next experiment was the oscillating Briggs-Rauscher Reaction.
By placing a steel bar covered in Teflon (a magnetic stirrer) into the bottom of the beaker, the container is then placed on a magnetized motor. 100 mLs of solution A was then placed into the bottle, followed by 100 mLs of solution B and then 100 mLs of solution C. The mixture began colorless, then turned amber and finally turned into a blue-black color.
After a few seconds the solution faded and the cycle began to repeat itself.
"It's funny, but even after all these years it still surprises me when I look down after moving the bottle and the color has changed yet again," said Gustavson.
The experiment has lasted between five minutes to nearly an hour.
Chad McDowell, men's basketball head coach, attended the series with his son and even was involved in the fluorescent light test in which Gustavson instructed McDowell to place a Tesla Coil in one hand and a fluorescent bulb in the other.
Once the Tesla Coil was plugged in and ready, voila! The bulb illuminated.
He then conducted the electric pickle challenge.
By attaching two forks into either end of a large pickle and then attaching alligator clips to the ends of the forks, followed by plugging the clips into an outlet, the pickle began to produce a sodium vapor light, and a pretty foul smell.
"One time I had a student ask if he could eat the pickle," said Gustavson.
Gustavson's finale included the vibrant creation of fireworks and the ever-expanding "snake" trick by mixing powdered sugar and sulfuric acid creating a growth of sulfuric solution, the acid found in car batteries.
For more information on Gustavson and the entire science department of LSUS, visit www.science.lsus.edu.
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