University Chemistry ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (3): 349-354.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202406109

• Chemistry Laboratory • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Chemical Fuel-Driven Non-Equilibrium Color Change

Lianghong Ye, Junqing Ni, Zhongyi Yan, Zhanming Zhang, Can Zhu, Mo Sun   

  1. Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
  • Received:2024-06-27 Accepted:2024-09-19 Published:2025-03-19
  • Contact: Mo Sun E-mail:mosun@fudan.edu.cn

Abstract: We have introduced a general chemistry experiment with the title of "Chemical Fuel-Driven Non-Equilibrium Color Change". This experiment mainly includes the pH jump-induced color change reaction of methyl red based on tribromoacetic acid, and the exploration of its mechanism using a pH meter. Through the practice of this experiment, students can understand the concepts of thermodynamic equilibrium, kinetically controlled non-equilibrium, and dissipative non-equilibrium states, master the basic concepts of buffer solutions and pH indicators, as well as consolidate the usage of common experimental instruments.

Key words: Non-equilibrium chemisty, pH jump, Color change of methyl red, General chemical experiment