Paradoxes, Puzzles, and Pitfalls of Incomplete Combustion Demonstrations

Ed Vitz
Department of Chemistry, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA 19530
J. Chem. Educ., 2000, 77 (8), p 1011
DOI: 10.1021/ed077p1011
Publication Date (Web): August 1, 2000
History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

In this demonstration, paper is burned in a closed container containing sufficient oxygen to consume all the paper by the reaction

(C6H10O5)n + 6nO2 ---> 6nCO2 + 5nH2O.

Paradoxically, the flame expires while half of the paper remains. This demonstrates that thermodynamics or stoichiometry is insufficient to explain everyday chemical processes, and that kinetics is often necessary. The gases in the container are analyzed by GC before and after combustion, and the results are examined in detail.

Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

Demonstrations

Keywords (Subject):

Gases
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  • Received: August 03, 2009

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