Superheated Steam
Description: Steam from a reservoir of boiling water is passed through a copper coil which is strongly heated by a Meker burner. The steam exiting the copper coil is hot enough to ignite a match or char paper.
This demonstration is available on video and JCE software “Chem Demos” laser disc.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1985 Vol: 2 Page: 93
Keywords: Superheating, Steam, Igniting match, Charring paper
Ratings: 
Hazard: Medium
- Burn hazard
- Flammability hazard
- Electric shock hazard
Effectiveness: Good
- Clear contrast between behavior of systems
- Strong effects are seen by audience
- Results are clearly observable
- Moderate reliability
- Time to results is high
Difficulty: High
- Multi-step procedures
- Complex equipment manipulations
- Reaction at non-standard conditions
Safety Precautions:
- Thermal gloves required
- Eye protection required
- Use fire resistant surface
- Lab coat recommended
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Use in well-ventilated area
- Use UL approved three prong plug and outlet.
Class: Gases, Intermolecular Forces, Physical Chemistry
Division: General
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