Music in this video, I'll be making a storm glass, an eighteenth-century device that can supposedly predict the weather with its unique crystal formation brought about by subtle changes in air temperature. The instructions for how this instrument is to be read for weather prediction are detailed in the video description below. I'll leave it up to you to decide how well you believe it works. Regardless of function, a storm glass is a very beautiful device and an excellent lesson in solubility as it relates to temperature. The components of the liquid found in a storm glass consist of three solid chemicals dissolved in a solvent of ethanol and water. To keep things simple, the solvent I'll be using is 100 proof vodka, which off the shelf is already at a 50/50 ratio of water to ethanol. 300 milliliters are measured into a jar. The solid chemicals required are camphor, potassium nitrate, and ammonium chloride. Camphor is the most unusual of the three, with a strong smell like mint or menthol. It's sold in these one-ounce tablet packs, often as a preventative for rust in tools, as the waxy chemical sublimates and can form a protective layer on steel. The contents of one tablet pack, weighing 28 grams, are dropped into the pre-measured solvent. Next, 10 grams of potassium nitrate, which is roughly equal to a full teaspoon, is measured. Another 10 grams of ammonium chloride is the final ingredient. Dissolving the solids is done by lightly heating some water into which the jar of solution is placed. The heat will increase solubility. A lid can be set loosely on top during this time, with some ice cubes above to distill any alcohol that might try to evaporate. Do not use a sealing ring or any sort of airtight lid while the...
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Video instructions and help with filling out and completing Fill Form 2220 Forecast
