Year 9 Salters’ Chemistry Challenge at Cambridge

Last Tuesday I and three others went on an exciting chemistry trip to Cambridge. Here, alongside many other schools in the region, we took part in a series of practical experiments and produced a sample of the drug Paracetamol. The sample was then tested for purity using a variety of techniques including Thin Layer Chromatography, TLC, and infra-red spectrometry. The practical was followed up with an exhilarating talk on the periodic table due to its 150 years anniversary. This talk consisted of a short history lesson followed by flames, bright and coloured lights, explosions and other thrilling chemical reactions. It was a captivating and inspiring experience that I would recommend to anyone interested in chemistry.

James, Year 9