Kinetics- Explosions of Lycopodium and Other Powders

Briggs-Rauscher Reaction

Burning Rate Depends on Oxygen Concentration

Chemical Genie in a Bottle

Iodine Clock Reaction

Kinetics of Crystal Violet

Kinetics of the Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide by Permanganate

Kinetic of Oxidation of Iodide Ion by Peroxide

Light Sticks

Reaction Rate Depends on Particle Size

Visible Reactive Intermediate

Autocatalysis of Oxalate Ion With Permanganate

Catalytic Combustor

Catalytic Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide

Elephant’s Toothpaste

Explosions of Lycopodium and Other Powders

Medicine Cabinet Kinetics

Old Nassau: The Landolt Reaction With Mercury Indicator

Traveling Waves of Color

Catalytic Oxidation of Ammonia

Ignition of Hydrogen on a Platinum Catalyst

Slow Decolorization of Permanganate by Ethanol

Temperature Effect on Reaction Rate

CMW Two Stage Clock Reaction

An Orange Clock Reaction

The Reaction Between Oxalate Ion With Permanganate

Demonstration of Chemical Inhibition

Explosions of Lycopodium and Other Powders

Two photos: In the first photo, an open can with its lid, a red bulb and a tube attached to a can, and a burning candle in a holder. In the second photo, a flame rising from the can with attached tubing.
Two photos: In the first photo, an open can with its lid, a red bulb and a tube attached to a can, and a burning candle in a holder. In the second photo, a flame rising from the can with attached tubing.
 

Description:

A) Lycopodium powder ignites in a closed can, blowing off the lid

B) Lycopodium is lighted in a pile and smolders. Lycopodium is then placed in a turkey baster and blown into a flame. The difference is quite dramatic.

Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical demonstration: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry

Year: 1983    Vol: 1   Page: 103

Keywords: Lycopodium, Exothermic, Particle size, Surface area, Combustion

Rating:

Hazard: Some

  • Flammability hazard
  • Inhalation hazard

Effectiveness: Average

  • Somewhat connected to course material
  • Results are clearly observable without guidance
  • Moderate failure rate
  • Time to results is low

Difficulty: Medium

  • Procedures with some intermediate steps to results
  • Requires attention to detail
  • Some concerted or timed manipulations
  • Prior practice recommended

Safety Precautions:

  • Eye protection required
  • Gloves required
  • ABC fire extinguisher on hand
  • Perform in a well-ventilated area
  • Avoid inhalation of dust or vapors
  • Perform on a flame resistant surface

 

Class: Kinetics

Division: General

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The demonstration Explosions of Lycopodium and Other Powders may be found under Thermochemistry- Explosions of Lycopodium and Other Powders.

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