Chemistry Playground
Your virtual chemistry lab. Conduct real experiments, observe real reactions and build deep understanding of VCE Chemistry Units 1 to 4.
Safety Note: These are virtual simulations designed for learning. Always follow your teacher's instructions and wear appropriate safety equipment when performing real laboratory experiments.
Flame Tests
Observe the characteristic flame colours produced by different metal ions. Identify unknown salts by their emission spectra.
Molecule Builder
Build molecules and explore VSEPR shapes, bond angles and polarity. See how electron pairs determine molecular geometry.
Acid-Base Titration
Perform a titration with live pH monitoring. Watch the indicator change colour at the equivalence point.
Metal Displacement Reactions
Test metals in salt solutions to discover the reactivity series. Observe colour changes and metal deposits forming.
Galvanic Cell
Build a galvanic cell from different electrode pairs. Watch electron flow and ion migration, and measure the cell voltage.
Electrolysis
Use electrical energy to drive non-spontaneous reactions. Observe gas production, metal deposition and colour changes.
Le Chatelier's Principle
Disturb a system at equilibrium and watch it shift. Change temperature, concentration and pressure to see real-time effects.
Functional Group Tests
Use Brady's reagent, Tollens' test, bromine water and dichromate to identify unknown organic compounds.
Conductivity Testing
Test the electrical conductivity of ionic, molecular and metallic substances. See how bonding type affects conductivity.
Ion Identification
Add reagents to unknown solutions and identify metal ions and anions by the colour of precipitates formed.
pH Rainbow
Explore the full pH scale from 1 to 14 with universal indicator. See the rainbow of colours and common substances at each pH.
Corrosion Investigation
Investigate how iron nails corrode under different conditions. Compare rusting rates with oil, zinc and saltwater.
Fuel Calorimetry
Burn different fuels under a calorimeter and compare their energy content. Plot temperature rise and calculate enthalpy.
Reaction Rate
React magnesium with hydrochloric acid at different temperatures and concentrations. Measure gas volume and plot rate curves.
Chromatography
Separate ink pigments using paper chromatography. Watch the solvent front rise and colours separate at different Rf values.
Ester Formation
Combine carboxylic acids with alcohols to form esters with characteristic fruity smells. Explore condensation reactions.
Alcohol Oxidation
Oxidise primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols with acidified dichromate. See which ones react and the colour changes produced.
Aspirin Synthesis
Synthesise aspirin step by step: mix reagents, heat, crystallise, filter and test purity with FeCl3.
Hydrogen Bonding & Viscosity
Drop marbles through liquids of different viscosities. Discover how hydrogen bonding affects flow properties.
Water Electrolysis
Electrolyse water and collect hydrogen and oxygen gas in inverted tubes. Observe the 2:1 volume ratio.
Fuel Cell
Build a hydrogen fuel cell that converts H2 and O2 into electricity and water. The reverse of electrolysis.
Saponification
Make soap from oil and sodium hydroxide. Watch the saponification reaction and salt out the soap product.
Vitamin C Titration
Compare vitamin C content in different juices by titrating with DCPIP indicator. See which juice is the strongest antioxidant.
Build a Battery
Stack galvanic cells in series to increase voltage. Power an LED, buzzer or motor with your custom battery.
Spectroscopy Simulator
Interpret IR and mass spectra to identify organic compounds. Click on peaks to learn what each absorption means.
How to Use the Chemistry Playground
1
Choose an Experiment
Pick from 25 virtual experiments covering VCE Chemistry Units 1 to 4. Use the unit badges above to filter by topic.
2
Interact with Chemicals
Click or drag reagents onto the virtual lab bench and watch the reaction unfold.
3
Observe and Learn
See colour changes, gas bubbles and animated reactions with full scientific explanations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What experiments are available in the Chemistry Playground?
The Chemistry Playground includes 25 interactive virtual experiments spanning all four VCE Chemistry units. Unit 1 covers Flame Tests, Molecule Builder, Conductivity Testing, Ion Identification and Hydrogen Bonding & Viscosity. Unit 2 includes Acid-Base Titration, Metal Displacement, pH Rainbow, Corrosion Investigation and Water Electrolysis. Unit 3 features Galvanic Cell, Electrolysis, Le Chatelier's Principle, Fuel Calorimetry, Reaction Rate, Fuel Cell and Build a Battery. Unit 4 offers Functional Group Tests, Chromatography, Ester Formation, Alcohol Oxidation, Aspirin Synthesis, Saponification, Vitamin C Titration and Spectroscopy Simulator.
Is the Chemistry Playground aligned to the VCE Chemistry curriculum?
Yes. All experiments are aligned to the VCAA Chemistry Study Design (2024-2027) for Units 1 to 4. Each experiment covers key knowledge and skills assessed in VCE Chemistry.
Can I use this on a school Chromebook or tablet?
Yes. The Chemistry Playground works on any modern browser including Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge. No plugins or downloads are required. All animations use lightweight Canvas 2D and SVG rendering.
Are these simulations a replacement for real lab work?
No. These virtual experiments are designed to supplement real laboratory work, not replace it. They are useful for previewing experiments, revision, and building understanding of concepts before or after performing real practicals.