THE TWINS OF CHEMISTRY—POTASSIUM AND SODIUM. Standing before us are two small bottles each containing some shining metallic globules not unlike shot in appearance. Surrounding these globules and completely covering them is a peculiar fluid called naphtha. The metallic globules are potassium and sodium. Their appearance is so similar that unless the bottles were labeled it would be difficult to dis tinguish one from the other. The external appearance of these metals is not the only point of similarity between them as we shall presently see. We extract from the bottle labeled sink ; a beautiful
THE TWINS OF CHEMISTRY—POTASSIUM AND SODIUM. Standing before us are two small bottles each containing some shining metallic globules not unlike shot in appearance. Surrounding these globules and completely covering them is a peculiar fluid called naphtha. The metallic globules are potassium and sodium. Their appearance is so similar that unless the bottles were labeled it would be difficult to dis tinguish one from the other. The external appearance of these metals is not the only point of similarity between them as we shall presently see. We extract from the bottle labeled sink ; a beautiful rose-colored flame bursts forth from it. It decreases in size and finally dies out altogether. The globule has disappeared leaving apparently not a single trace of its existence. We shall presently see where it has gone ; but first let us make some other experiments. Taking now a rapidly tarnishes like the potassium ; projecting it upon the water it rapidly decreases in volume but no flame is emitted. Soon it also disappears without trace as did the potassium. We repeat the experiment with hot water. This time we get a brilliant display discharges of little balls of melted so dium in an incandescent state fly off in all directions like a miniature Roman candle. Another striking experiment can be performed with potassium a fragment of this metal being twisted into the dry wick of a candle you may light your candle with an icicle provided the room is warm enough to tasium and sodium have been dissolved by the water which It is the oxygen of the water which uniting with them gives rise to the beautiful display we have described. The union is attended by heat sufficient to ignite the hydrogen liberated in the decomposition of the water (water being composed of oxygen and hydrogen) and some vapors of the metal being mixed with the hydrogen gas impart to it the splendid rose color which is so striking a feature of the experiment. We lately introduced you to the Goliath ; we this we
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