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Combustion demonstration using updated flame tornado

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Edward G. Senkbeil

Department of Chemistry, Henson School of Science and Technology, Salisbury State University, Salisbury, MD 21801-6860

Thomas P. Gonnella

Department of Chemistry, Mayville State University, Mayville, ND 58257

J. Chem. Educ., 2000, 77 (11), p 1449

DOI: 10.1021/ed077p1449

Publication Date (Web): November 1, 2000

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

The combustion reaction is a significant topic of discussion in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and laboratory safety components of most high school and undergraduate chemistry curricula. This demonstration uses the combustion of different forms of cellulose and an updated version of the "flame tornado" as an ignition source to illustrate the factors affecting the combustion process. The objectives of the experiment are (i) to illustrate the factors affecting the rate of a combustion reaction and (ii) to demonstrate the factors affecting the production of a flame by using the flame tornado. The demonstration is utilized in an inquiry-based approach for asking students how nitrocellulose can be ignited if placed approximately one meter over a flame. The demonstration is safe, inexpensive, and gives reproducible results.