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Variations on the "Whoosh" Bottle Alcohol Explosion Demonstration Including Safety Notes

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John J. Fortman , Andrea C. Rush and Jennifer E. Stamper

Department of Chemistry,Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435

Mark J. Waner

Division of Sciences and Mathematics, Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL 36608-1791

Jay A. Young

Chemical Consultant, 12916 Allerton Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20904

J. Chem. Educ., 1999, 76 (8), p 1092

DOI: 10.1021/ed076p1092

Publication Date (Web): August 1, 1999

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

The explosion or burning of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and isopropanol in large small-necked bottles when ignited with a match has been studied with respect to the nature of the alcohol, temperature, concentration dilutions with water, oxygen concentration, plastic versus glass bottles, and salts added for color. The various effects are explained in terms of vapor pressures. Safety guidelines are emphasized.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Demonstrations

Keywords (Feature):

Tested Demonstrations

Keywords (Subject):

Gases

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This article has been cited by 10 ACS Journal articles (5 most recent appear below).

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