Igniting Minds: Dr Andrew Szydlo Delivers Stunning Chemistry Lectures Full of Energy
Dr Andrew Szydlo gave a stunning series of Chemistry lectures in the ABT on Monday. With four tables arranged in a row, covered in a plethora of equipment, the audience knew they were in for a treat. A special Chemistry lesson delivered by a special guest, Dr Szydlo is a regular at the Royal Institution, and we were very lucky to have him come to Eltham College.
The lesson covered key principles in Chemistry through a myriad of demonstrations, such pouring liquid nitrogen onto a balloon to demonstrate thermodynamics – the balloon shrivelled up to the size of an orange in the ultra-low temperatures, but then through warming up by being thrown and caught, it regained its original size as the air inside expanded. The principle of complete combustion was demonstrated by burning fuel – but when the same fuel was ignited with solid crystals that release oxygen, the flames shot up and made a loud noise; the same mixture used in early rocket engines. Internal combustion was demonstrated by blowing the lid off a paint can with only a few drops of fuel ignited inside the cylinder. From the loud to the quiet and poetic, a rare Kipps apparatus was used to generate carbon dioxide from stone. The invisible gas was collected in a large glass ceremonial bowl, and slowly the gas was poured over a series of flickering candles, extinguishing them each in turn; providing a serene end to the lecture, making the unseen seen.
Students stated the show was “amazing” and “so interesting”; the tremendous applause at the end of the evening lecture highlighted just what an amazing series of demonstrations we had.
