Thermochemistry- Reusable Heat Pack

Reusable Heat Pack

Description: A sodium acetate crystallization and reversible solution system that is commercially available. By bending the metal disc  in the  bag, the sodium acetate crystalizes and gives off heat.  Placing the bag in boiling water redissolves the sodium acetate, and the bag may be reused.

This demonstration is also available on video and JCE Software: “Chemistry Comes Alive!” Vol. 2  CD-Rom

Source: Journal of Chemical Education

Year: 1991 Vol: 68 Page: 780

Keywords: Sodium acetate crystallization, Re-solution,  Metal disc, Boiling water

Rating:

Hazard: Low

  • Chemically self-contained

Effectiveness: Average

  • Results are observable with guidance
  • Secondary observations
  • Mild effects are seen by audience
  • Time to results is low
  • Good connection from demo to course material

Difficulty: Low

  • Simple procedures
  • Simple manipulations for most to perform
  • If remote temperature indication is used, difficulty is medium

Safety Precautions:

  • Eye protection required
  • Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet

Class: Thermochemistry, Solubility

Division: General