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Making Sparklers: An Introductory Laboratory Experiment
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Abstract
A laboratory experiment consisting of the preparation of sparklers has been developed as part of a project which organizes the general chemistry sequence according to subjects with which students are familiar. This laboratory makes use of oxidation/reduction chemistry to produce a product familiar to students. The result is a mixture rather than a compound, but the composition must be carefully measured to produce a sparkler that will stay lit and produce sparks. The dramatic reaction may be the most impressive and memorable experience that students encounter in the laboratory. Sparklers are formulated from iron, magnesium, and aluminum powders, plus potassium chlorate and barium nitrate held on thick iron wire by a starch paste. At elevated temperatures metal nitrates and chlorates decompose to produces gases, providing the necessary force to eject bits of powdered, burning metal into the air.
Keywords (Audience):
High School / Introductory ChemistryKeywords (Pedagogy):
Hands-On Learning / ManipulativesKeywords (Subject):
Oxidation / ReductionCiting Articles
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This article has been cited by 3 ACS Journal articles (3 most recent appear below).
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- Received: August 03, 2009
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