Effect:
The Wizard drops a chunk of a white solid into a tall cylinder of a clear colourless liquid. The solid sinks to the bottom, bubbles begin to rise to the surface, a cloud fills the top of the cylinder, and the solution turns purple. This action continues until the solid disappears. More solid can be added.
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What You Need:
- Dry ice
- Tall glass cylinder
- Water
- Potassium permanganate crystals
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What You Do Before the Show:
- Fill the cylinder about 3/4 full with warm water.
- After the water settles down, carefully drop several crystals of potassium permanganate down the side. Do not disturb the water.
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What You Do During the Show:
- Add several chunks of dry ice into the cylinder and let it bubble away as you perform other chemagic tricks.
- Add more chunks when the bubbling settles down.
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What is Happening:
- Heat from the water causes the solid carbon dioxide to vapourize and the bubbles rise through the water.
- The bubbles are cold and cause water vapour to condense into a cloud at the top of the cylinder.
- The potassium permanganate dissolves in the water and gives a purple colour to the water. For a blue colour, substitute with methylene blue.
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Hazards:
- Dry ice is at -78 dec Celsius and can cause severe frost bite.
- Handle the dry ice with insulated gloves.
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Patter:
The intent of this effect is to have something happening all the time while you perform other tricks.
- Point out the hazard and why you are wearing gloves.
- Hold up a chunk of the dry ice and ask the audience what they think it is.
- Show that it is dry ice, since there is no liquid dropping off the bottom.
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