As Albert Einstein once said, “The important thing is to never stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.” With that in mind, let’s explore some interesting science experiments that use fire. These experiments will give us an understanding of various scientific concepts and phenomena. Please remember, safety is paramount when conducting these experiments. Always have an adult present and never conduct these experiments without proper safety equipment.
1. Fire Snake
The fire snake experiment beautifully displays the reaction between baking soda and sugar when heat is applied.
Materials: Baking soda, sugar, lighter fluid, and a heat-resistant surface.
Procedure: Mix four parts of sugar with one part of baking soda. Pour the mixture onto a heat-resistant surface, make a small mound. Pour lighter fluid onto the mound and light it. A black snake-like structure will start to grow out of the fire.
What it displays: This experiment showcases the chemical reaction between the sugar and baking soda when heat is applied. The sugar decomposes and reacts with the baking soda to produce carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide pushes the remaining sugar out of the way, creating the snake.
2. Rainbow Fire
The rainbow fire experiment is a fun way to learn about the different colors that various chemicals produce when burned.
Materials: Various metal salts, a fire-safe pan, and a lighter.
Procedure: Spread a thin layer of a metal salt in the fire-safe pan. Light the salts on fire and observe the colors produced.
What it displays: This experiment shows how different chemicals emit different colors when burned. The heat energy causes the electrons in the metal salt to become excited and when they come back down to their ground state, they release energy in the form of light, which is seen as different colors.
3. Fire in a Bottle
The fire in a bottle experiment demonstrates the principles of combustion in a confined space.
Materials: A clear glass bottle, a piece of paper, and a lighter.
Procedure: Roll up a piece of paper, light one end on fire, and quickly place it in the bottle. The fire will go out and smoke will fill the bottle.
What it displays: This experiment shows that fire needs oxygen to burn. When the oxygen in the bottle is used up, the fire goes out.
4. Fire Tornado
The fire tornado experiment showcases the impact of heat and rotation on air flow.
Materials: A lazy Susan, wire mesh, a small fireproof container, lighter fluid, and a lighter.
Procedure: Secure the wire mesh into a cylindrical shape and place it on the lazy Susan. In a small fireproof container, pour some lighter fluid and light it on fire. Put the container in the center of the wire mesh and spin the lazy Susan to create a fire tornado.
What it displays: This experiment demonstrates the principles of heat transfer and the creation of a vortex. The spinning motion causes the hot air to rise in a spiral motion, creating a fire tornado.
5. Dancing Fire
The dancing fire experiment displays the effect of sound waves on fire.
Materials: A Rubens’ tube, a speaker, a tone generator, a propane source, and a lighter.
Procedure: Connect the Rubens’ tube to the propane source and the speaker to the tone generator. Start the propane flow and light the gas at the holes on the top of the Rubens’ tube. Play a tone on the generator and watch the fire dance to the beat.
What it displays: This experiment shows how sound waves affect the pressure of a gas, in this case, propane. The changes in pressure cause the flames to move up and down, creating the effect of dancing fire.
Remember, safety is the utmost priority when conducting these experiments. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby, wear protective gear, and never leave a fire unattended. Happy experimenting!
