DESCRIPTION:
This demo uses a stove made out of aluminum cans that can be lit using knowledge of vapor pressure. When the acetone surrounding the stove is lit, the acetone in the stove boils, releasing vapors that are then lit on fire.
CH3OCH3 + 3O2 → 2CO2 + 3H2O
TOPICS COVERED:
– combustion
– light
– vapor pressure
– volatility
– chemical change
– energy transformations
MATERIALS NEEDED:
– alcohol stove (2 aluminum can ends put together with holes on one side)
– acetone
– lighter
– watch glass
PROCEDURE:
1. Place the stove into the watch glass
2. Squirt acetone into the stove
3. Squirt a small amount of acetone around the stove
4. Light the acetone around the stove
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
Isopropyl alcohol is a longer lasting fuel than acetone
SAFETY:
Acetone is flammable, therefore caution should be taken and goggles worn. Also, the edges of the stove, even if they were sanded, could still be sharp enough to cut skin.
REFERENCES:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Cool-Little-Miniature-Stove!/