Thermal Decomposition of Calcium Nitrate

A pure sample of hydrated calcium nitrate appears crystalline and glossy because of the water of crystallisation.
As you first gently heat the crystals, the water of crystallisation escapes as water vapour, condensing along the sides of the test-tube as water droplets. This forms a highly concentrated solution of calcium nitrate, which boils.
Upon further gentle heating, all of the water of crystallisation is eventually removed, leaving behind a powdery anhydrous form of calcium nitrate.
Switching to strong heating, the calcium nitrate soon melts and decomposes into calcium oxide, brown nitrogen dioxide gas and oxygen gas.
The oxygen gas relights a glowing splint, while the brown nitrogen gas is acidic, and turns moist blue litmus paper red.

[@brightmississippi]

Thanks man, I missed the day when we did this lab and this vid was a life saver for my finals

[@drcurv]

I DO hope that next time you perform this experiment you will consider using some sort of fume cupboard, and not simply heat the salt in an open laboratory. NO2 fumes are not to be trifled with, as those of us who've had a good whiff of them can testify!
I was confused as to your use of moist red litmus paper! Any potential alkaline gas given off (such as …..???) would have to mix with the acidic NO2 gas we know is given off, and TOGETHER they will have an OVERALL effect on blue or red litmus paper. EITHER the blue will turn red, OR the red will turn blue (But NOT BOTH) depending whether the acidic or the alkaline gas is in excess (greater reacting quantity). Were you expecting some sort of oscillating reaction? !
An enjoyable video, and it brought back lots of happy chemistry memories.

[@fayremead]

Those who survive.

[@drcurv]

It isn't too difficult, with care and good luck! :)

[@sakinahroslan474]

Thank you so much! It helps me doing my pre lab preparation

[@nivinajith5334]

What an amazing narration! Thank You!!

[@ck1416]

Excellent video, I'm going to show this video to my students. Thank you

[@rentoneureka510]

Great job

[@jessicacroxford9408]

this has really helped thank you!!!!!

[@zachary.ramsumair]

this vid was quite nice. The music sounded really good at x2 speed also

[@KAT-hs3xh]

my teacher didn't sub to you but she showed the video so i did

[@nattsurfaren]

Is this the most effective way to make nitric acid or will a lot of it break down before?

[@toomuchdebt5669]

It doesn't make nitric acid directly.

[@RiseToTheTopIAmChampion]

Niceee

[@nickd5333]

This should really be preformed in a fume hood. Nitrogen Dioxide gas is highly toxic!!!

[@YeoYongKiat]

Subscribe for more!

[@sakinahroslan474]

Thank you so much! It helps me doing my pre lab preparation