KiwiCo The chemistry of combustion

7th Grade - Chemistry/Science

Chemistry: Fire Lab

The fire lab was an experiment from KiwiCo. That was made to help teach you the chemistry and science behind combustion. There were six different bottles in the box. Three bottles of methanol, (CH₃OH,) and three different containers of powdered chemicals. Copper chloride, (CuCI2,) lithium chloride, (LiCl,) and strontium chloride, (SrCI2.) Copper chloride is a greenish-blue powder. This is its dihydrate form. Before this, it's usually a brownish-yellow anhydrous form. In this form, it still has moisture, hence the anhydrous title. Both forms may occur naturally and can be found as a rare mineral of tolbachite and eriochalcite. Lithium chloride is a small, salt-like powder used in lithium batteries, and are great conductors of heat and energy.

Strontium chloride is another salt-like powder that is known for its red flame when burned and is usually used in fireworks for the effect. Methanol is one of the simpler alcohols that is clear in color. It's very flammable and makes a good fuel source. It is best not to breathe in the fumes when burning any of these chemicals and it is not wise to ingest or pour any of these chemicals on your skin. 

The Experiment:

The experiment was to fill a burner with a bottle of methanol. Whilst the string was absorbing the methanol you would light a small candle for its wax. After the candle has melted the top layer of wax and the string has fully absorbed the methanol, you light the burner and dip a wooded q-tip into the wax. After that, you dip it into one of the powdered chemicals and put it on the burner. Keep it in the fire for 5 seconds and pull it out. Then try it again with a different chemical.

The experiment uses these metal chlorides because when they evaporate under the flame they start to lose or gain energy into the electrons. This can appear light.