Description: Two white powders are mixed. The two will react when initiated by a drop of acid on the end of a long glass rod (the magic wand). The reaction is violent a results in a "poof" of heat, flames, and smoke.
Concept: Some exothermic reactions produce a lot of heat. Potassium Chlorate is a strong oxidizing agent; a fire may start when it is mixed with combustible materials.
Materials:
· 8.90 grams Potassium Chlorate, KClO3
· 18.20 grams Sucrose (Sugar)
· 1 drop concentrated Sulfuric Acid, H2SO4
· Long glass rod (about 4 ft long)
· A flat surface that is fire resistant
· Wide mouth plastic container with lid (about 100 mL size)
· Spatula or spoon
*note you can adjust the amounts used to suit your needs, this makes a large batch*
Safety:
Mixtures of Potassium Chlorate and combustibles (sugar) are potentially explosive. Store these chemicals separately. Wear safety goggles, disposable gloves, and heavy gloves (ex. leather, acid gloves).
Sulfuric acid is extremely corrosive. Wear safety goggles, disposable gloves, and acid gloves.
Stand at a distance from the reaction.
Procedure:
Carefully mix potassium chlorate and sugar together in the plastic container.
Pour the mixture into a pile onto the transite pad.
Make a small depression in the top of the pile with the spatula.
Dip the glass rod into a small amount of sulfuric acid so that there is a very small amount (a drop) of acid on the tip of the rod.
Put drop of acid into the depression in the pile of KClO3 and Sugar (touch the pile with your magic wand).
Stand back and the reaction will start slowly, evolving smoke and then flames.
Clean-Up: Allow the leftover black carbon to cool and then flush down the drain with water.
Concept: Some exothermic reactions produce a lot of heat. Potassium Chlorate is a strong oxidizing agent; a fire may start when it is mixed with combustible materials.
Materials:
· 8.90 grams Potassium Chlorate, KClO3
· 18.20 grams Sucrose (Sugar)
· 1 drop concentrated Sulfuric Acid, H2SO4
· Long glass rod (about 4 ft long)
· A flat surface that is fire resistant
· Wide mouth plastic container with lid (about 100 mL size)
· Spatula or spoon
*note you can adjust the amounts used to suit your needs, this makes a large batch*
Safety:
Mixtures of Potassium Chlorate and combustibles (sugar) are potentially explosive. Store these chemicals separately. Wear safety goggles, disposable gloves, and heavy gloves (ex. leather, acid gloves).
Sulfuric acid is extremely corrosive. Wear safety goggles, disposable gloves, and acid gloves.
Stand at a distance from the reaction.
Procedure:
Carefully mix potassium chlorate and sugar together in the plastic container.
Pour the mixture into a pile onto the transite pad.
Make a small depression in the top of the pile with the spatula.
Dip the glass rod into a small amount of sulfuric acid so that there is a very small amount (a drop) of acid on the tip of the rod.
Put drop of acid into the depression in the pile of KClO3 and Sugar (touch the pile with your magic wand).
Stand back and the reaction will start slowly, evolving smoke and then flames.
Clean-Up: Allow the leftover black carbon to cool and then flush down the drain with water.