One of the fascinating aspects of chemical reactions is the color change that often occurs. When titanium salts react with hydrogen peroxide, we see a distinct orange-yellow color. This color change is a clear indicator that a new substance, in this case, pertitanic acid, has been formed.
So, what causes this color change? When the new compound forms, its electronic structure is different from the original reactants. This difference in electronic structure affects how the compound absorbs and emits light, leading to a visible color change.
In simpler terms:
- The electron movement in the new compound is different.
- This difference changes how light is absorbed or reflected.
- As a result, we see a new color.
Such visible changes provide clues about the reaction and help verify the products formed. The orange-yellow color of pertitanic acid in this reaction is a great example of how color can signify chemical transformations.