Introduction

Today, in this article, we are going to understand combustion with the help of a small experiment at home. But, before we start, let’s give you a brief about what is combustion. Combustion is the burning of a hydrocarbon (-CH- group) in the presence of an oxidizing agent (oxygen is mostly used) to produce CO2 (carbon dioxide) and H2O (water). In other words, the process where a hydrocarbon compound burns to produce smoke (carbon dioxide) and water, known as combustion. For easy understanding, keep in mind that combustion implies burning.

Apparatus

To carry out this experiment, we will need:

  1. Rubbing alcohol
  2. Water
  3. Salt
  4. Lighter or matchsticks
  5. Money (note) or Bill
  6. Metal tongs
  7. Dish or bowl
  8. Cup
  9. Tablespoon

Warnings

As this task deals with fire and flammable things, you must keep in mind your own safety. Another important thing you must take care of is that you carry out this experiment under the proper guidance of your elders, especially an adult.

Procedure

Step 1

• The first thing you will have to do is take a clean and dry dish or bowl. • Now take a cup and fill it half with rubbing alcohol. • Pour it into the dish or bowl. • You can use the same cup or can use another cup. And this time, fill the cup with water till its half filled. • Pour it into the same bowl. • Add a pinch or around 1/4th of a tablespoon of salt. • Mix all the three well. Once you are done preparing the mixture, wash your hands properly. Use soap or handwash to wash it thoroughly. If there remains any trace of alcohol in your hand, it might catch fire. As a result, you will burn your hand. So, before proceeding further, do wash your hands. And make sure you do not touch the alcohol or the mixture after washing your hands.

• The first thing you will have to do is take a clean and dry dish or bowl. • Now take a cup and fill it half with rubbing alcohol. • Pour it into the dish or bowl. • You can use the same cup or can use another cup. And this time, fill the cup with water till its half filled. • Pour it into the same bowl. • Add a pinch or around 1/4th of a tablespoon of salt. • Mix all the three well. Once you are done preparing the mixture, wash your hands properly. Use soap or handwash to wash it thoroughly. If there remains any trace of alcohol in your hand, it might catch fire. As a result, you will burn your hand. So, before proceeding further, do wash your hands. And make sure you do not touch the alcohol or the mixture after washing your hands.


Step 2

After you are done preparing the mixture, use the metal tongs to dip the money or bill into the mixture. Make sure the bill is coated well with the mixture.

After you are done preparing the mixture, use the metal tongs to dip the money or bill into the mixture. Make sure the bill is coated well with the mixture.


Step 3

Take the money out of the mixture.

Take the money out of the mixture.


Step 4

Lit the fire or flame, whatever you are using.

Lit the fire or flame, whatever you are using.


Step 5

Carefully, bring the note (money) close to the fire.

Carefully, bring the note (money) close to the fire.


Step 6

Once the money catches fire, observe the burning.

Once the money catches fire, observe the burning.


Step 7

Are you astonished by the fact that the money remains unaffected? This is because of the fact that alcohol burns faster at a lower temperature, as compared to water. Therefore, alcohol burns out completely whereas the water remains unburnt. As a result, you will find the note is wet after it has been burnt.

Are you astonished by the fact that the money remains unaffected? This is because of the fact that alcohol burns faster at a lower temperature, as compared to water. Therefore, alcohol burns out completely whereas the water remains unburnt. As a result, you will find the note is wet after it has been burnt.


Result

If you are between 3rd – 5th standard in school, you can fool your friends and mates by showing them this experiment. They might find you a magician but after you explain to them the whole phenomenon, you will end up educating your friends and more people. But, be responsible and do not perform this experiment without any supervision.

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