Metal Reactions

This is written as a static display, but can easily be adapted to a hands-on experiment for learners to conduct. Sodium phosphate, a clear colorless solution, is combined with six different metal ion solutions. Each metal (copper, nickel, iron, silver, cobalt, and barium) forms a different color and texture precipitate. Learners discover that a chemical reaction can be identified by a color change, and formation of a precipitate. They also learn that metals can be identified by their precipitates. For safety reasons, this activity should be conducted as a demonstration for younger audiences.