Silver Bells
Chemical Concepts:
 stoichiometry
 chemical reactions
 limiting reactants
Materials:
aluminum wire
.2 M solution AgNO3
stirring rod
steel wool
2 250 mL beaker
hot plate
thermometer
Procedure
1. Obtain approximately 20 - 30 cm of aluminum wire.
2. Use a small piece of steel wool to shine the wire and remove impurities.
3. Form the wire into the shape of a bell. Leave 6 cm of wire free at top to
from into a hook.
4. Place hook over stirring rod, and lay rod across top of the beaker
suspending the bell.
5. Pour AgNO3 into the beaker to cover the bell.
6. Set beaker on hot plate and raise temperature to 60C.
7. When wire becomes coated with silver, slowly raise stirring rod and bell,
and place across another 250 mL beaker to dry.
Safety:
Check the MSDS for precautions and disposal.
Adapted from “Leftover” Aluminum Wire, Auburn University Science in
Motion