Flaming pumpkins in AP Chemistry
Students in Erica Holtgraver's AP Chemistry class held a seasonal demonstration of combustion when they set fire to a pumpkin. A flammable gel was rubbed on and poured in the pumpkin to create the fuel needed for the flame. Without the fuel the pumpkin would not light because it holds a large amount of water in its flesh.
Metal salt powders were added to give the flame different colors. Borax created a green-blue flame, while copper made the flame blue. Strontium can be added to make it red, or Sodium to make it pink. The flesh of the pumpkin itself contains Potassium which makes the flame orange.
This demonstration highlights the emission spectra of different elements on the periodic table. Every element has a different number and arrangement of electrons. These electrons become energized by the heat of the flame, and when they relax back down to their ground state they release different colors of light.
As with any chemical demonstration, students followed strict safety precautions. A fire blanket and a large beaker of water were nearby to douse the flame if needed. Ms. Holtgraver advises to anyone who wants to try this at home to add fuel BEFORE lighting the flame, close the bottles tightly, and then remove them from the demonstration area. Many people make the mistake of wanting to add more fuel to the flame to make it bigger and brighter, not understanding that the vapor is flammable as well as the liquid.
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This demonstration highlights the emission spectra of different elements on the periodic table. Every element has a different number and arrangement of electrons. These electrons become energized by the heat of the flame, and when they relax back down to their ground state they release different colors of light.
As with any chemical demonstration, students followed strict safety precautions. A fire blanket and a large beaker of water were nearby to douse the flame if needed. Ms. Holtgraver advises to anyone who wants to try this at home to add fuel BEFORE lighting the flame, close the bottles tightly, and then remove them from the demonstration area. Many people make the mistake of wanting to add more fuel to the flame to make it bigger and brighter, not understanding that the vapor is flammable as well as the liquid.
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