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 Specific Heat of Metals I
Decomposition of Ammonium Dichromate
Evaporation as an Endothermic Process
Evaporation of Ether is 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
Reaction of Zinc and Sulfur
Description: Insertion of red-hot wire into a small pile of powdered zinc and sulfur results in a large puff of yellowish smoke.
This demonstration is also available on video and JCE “Chemistry Comes Alive!” vol. 3 CD-Rom.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Page: 53
Keywords: Zinc, Sulfur, Yellowish smoke, Exothermic
Ratings: 
Hazard: Medium
- Oxidizer
- Flammability hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Burn hazard
- Skin irritation
Effectiveness: Good
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Results are clearly observable without guidance
- Good reliability
- Time to results is low
- Strong effects are seen by audience
Difficulty: Medium
- Demos at non-standard conditions
- Time-dependent manipulation
- Temperature-dependent initiation
- Procedures with some intermediate steps
- Some careful manipulations required
Safety Precautions:
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Thermal gloves recommended
- Heat resistant surface required
- Eye protection required
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Downdraft hood recommended
- Avoid inhalation of dust or vapors
- Minimum height three-meter ceiling
Class: Main Group Chemistry
Division: General
The demonstration Reaction of Zinc and Sulfur may be found under Atoms and Molecules – Reaction of Zinc and Sulfur.
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