Explosions of Lycopodium and Other Powders
Description:
A. Lycopodium powder ignites in a closed metal can, blowing off the lid.
B. Lycopodium powder is placed in turkey baster and ignited by blowing it into a flame.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Page: 103
Keywords: Lycopodium, Exothermic, Dust, Flammable, Combustion
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Flammability hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Explosion hazard
Effectiveness: Good
- Results clearly observable without guidance
- Some connection from demo to course material
- Mild effects are seen by audience
- Moderate reliability
- Time to results is low
Difficulty: High
- Some difficult manipulations
- Simple procedures
- Use of flammable reagents
- Some intermediate steps to results
- Prior training recommended
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Hearing protection recommended
- Avoid inhalation of dusts or powders
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Flame resistant surface required
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
Class: Combustion, Kinetics
Division: General
Home| General Chemistry Demonstrations