Tag: cool

ri-science:

A potassium volcano experiment from 1812

This demonstration, performed for a packed lecture theatre at the Royal Institution in 1812 by Sir Humphry Davy, one of history’s greatest scientists, was a guess at what causes the force of a volcanic eruption.

Pieces of potassium are nestled in the bottom of the volcano. When water is added, the result is immense due to the highly reactive nature of potassium, which Davy himself had discovered just a few years before. 

These chemical reactions aren’t really what sparks volcanic eruptions, but the beauty and drama of Davy’s demonstrations of natural phenomena, which very few of the audience would’ve seen before, helped build his reputation as one of the most brilliant lecturers of the day. 

Sign up to the free online course from the University of Lancaster and Future Learn to learn more about Davy, his discoveries and his life as a poet.