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Revisiting the Electric Pickle Demonstration

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Michelle M. Rizzo , Tracy A. Halmi , Alan J. Jircitano , Martin G. Kociolek and Jerry A. Magraw

School of Science, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Erie, PA 16563-6045

David L. Dozark

Department of Chemistry, Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2068

J. Chem. Educ., 2005, 82 (4), p 545

DOI: 10.1021/ed082p545

Publication Date (Web): April 1, 2005

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

The electric pickle demonstration has long been used to explore the atomic emission of sodium ions, which emit a brilliant yellowâ€“orange glow. The emission from other metal ions including lithium, potassium, strontium, and barium can also be demonstrated by pickling cucumbers with the corresponding chloride salt. Cucumbers were bleached with hydrogen peroxide, pickled using a 10% salt solution in vinegar, and electrified using a unique device. The pickled cucumbers glowed pink, purple, red, and yellow, respectively. The glowing pickles provided characteristic line spectra when visualized through a diffraction grating. This adaptation of a classic demonstration provides an eye-catching alternative to discharge tubes for classroom discussions of atomic emission and line spectra.

Find this demonstration and others in the DigiDemos area of the JCE Digital Library.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Demonstrations

Keywords (Feature):

JCE DigiDemos: Tested Demonstrations

Keywords (Subject):

Atomic Properties / Structure

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This article has been cited by 1 ACS Journal articles (1 most recent appear below).

The Science Teacher: Spring 2008
Steve Long
Journal of Chemical Education2008 85 (6), 772
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  Journal of Chemical Education2008 85 (6), 772
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