Combustion of Cellulose Nitrate (Guncotton)
Comparing the Specific Heat of Metals II
Endothermic Reactions of Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Salts
Explosive Decomposition of Nitrogen Triiodide
Explosive Reaction of Hydrogen and Oxygen
Comparing the Specific Heat of Metals I
Decomposition of Ammonium Dichromate
Evaporation as an Endothermic Process
Evaporation of Ether as Endothermic
Explosions of Lycopodium and Other Powders
Reaction of Calcium Oxide and Water
Reaction of Potassium Permanganate and Glycerine
Spontaneous Combustion of White Phosphorus
Reactions of Metals and Hydrochloric Acid
Nonburning Dollar Bill
Description: A dollar bill is soaked in a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. Hold up the bill with tongs, and touch a match to it. A flame will appear, but the dollar bill itself does not burn. A small towel may be substituted for a dollar bill.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Page: 13
Keywords: Dollar bill, Isopropyl alcohol, Water, Endothermic
Ratings:
Hazard: Some
- Eye irritation
- Specific organ toxicity hazard – central nervous system
- Flammable liquids
Effectiveness: Good
- Some connection from demo to course material
- High reliability
- Counterintuitive effects are seen
- Time to results is low
- Results are observable without guidance
Difficulty: Some
- Some intermediate steps to results
- Use of open flame
- Some manipulations with scientific equipment
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Perform on fire resistant surface
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Absorbent material on hand
Class: Combustion, Properties of Solutions
Division: General
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