What happens when you burn steel wool?
This experiment is an example of an exothermic reaction, a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat. Once the steel wool has burned, it is a greyish color and can no longer be ignited. This is proof that that the steel wool has been chemically changed into the compound iron oxide. Burning Steel Wool is a Chemical Reaction
What is the chemical equation for the chemical reaction of steel wool?
This is proof that that the steel wool has been chemically changed into the compound iron oxide. The chemical equation for this reaction is 2H 2 (g) + O 2 → 2H 2 O (g) I use this reaction as one of five science investigations in my unit for Middle School Science on Chemical Reactions.
What happens when steel wool is placed in 100% oxygen?
Steel wool (iron) will burn in air quite gently, since air is about 20% (by volume) oxygen. When the steel wool is placed in 100% oxygen the reaction proceeds much faster and vigorously. 4 F e X (s) + 3 O X 2 X (g) ⟶ 2 F e X 2 O X 3 X (s)
What happens when iron wool is heated in air?
In this experiment, students observe as iron wool is heated in air on a simple ‘see-saw’ balance. As the reaction between iron and oxygen produces iron oxide, the mass increases. This demonstration takes around 5 minutes once it has been set up. Plan a lesson using this demonstration
Is steel wool and fire a chemical reaction?
4:246:58EpicScience - Chemical Change: Burning Steel Wool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe process of burning. So again these are two chemical. Changes burning paper and burning iron. ButMoreThe process of burning. So again these are two chemical. Changes burning paper and burning iron. But in the case of the burning paper it's losing mass because a lot of the matter that's in that paper
What chemicals are in steel wool?
Steel wool is generally made of low-grade carbon steel wire, aluminum, bronze or stainless steel. The metal is shaved into thin strands that, when bunched up in a fuzzy mass, resemble wool. Each strand of steel wool is made of thousands of metal fibers.
What happens when you burn steel wool?
The product of the burn is bits of rust, or iron oxide, just as the product of burning wood is black ash (or carbon). Contact with oxygen is crucial to how fast and how hot the iron in steel wool burns — a pure-oxygen environment makes the flames a lot hotter, and the iron burns faster.
What type of reaction is the burning of steel wool?
exothermic reactionThis experiment is an example of an exothermic reaction, a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat. Once the steel wool has burned, it is a greyish color and can no longer be ignited. This is proof that that the steel wool has been chemically changed into the compound iron oxide.
What happens when steel wool reacts with oxygen?
Steel wool (iron) will burn in air quite gently, since air is about 20% (by volume) oxygen. When the steel wool is placed in 100% oxygen the reaction proceeds much faster and vigorously.
Can steel wool cause a fire?
Keep steel wool away from open flames and any kind of electrical or mechanical spark -- unless you want to start a fire. You might consider bringing steel wool on a camping trip because you can use it to start a fire even if it's wet.
What happens when you burn wool?
Wool, and other Protein Fibers: Burns, but does not melt. It shrinks from the flame. It has a strong odor of burning hair. The residue is a black, hollow irregular bead that can be easily crushed into a gritty black powder.
What do you observe during the reaction of steel wool?
Learners may hear the crackling sound of the steel wool burning. Learners may notice a metallic smell in the air. Learners may experience the heat from the combustion reaction. The product is a reddish-brown, crumbly solid.
How does the steel wool experiment work?
The electrical current heats the wire to over 300 Degrees Celsius! This heat then causes the iron in the steel wool to react with the oxygen surrounding it. The reaction creates the spark that we see and the release of heat that causes the next iron molecules to heat up…
What kind of reaction is steel wool and a battery?
1:383:01Steel wool and 9 volt battery Experiment (Create iron ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat it starts it on fire because steel wool is made of 90%. Iron much burns very easily with theMoreThat it starts it on fire because steel wool is made of 90%. Iron much burns very easily with the oxygens all spread out with the wool. So it helps burn really quick super cool I love this experiment.
What type of compound is steel wool?
Steel wool is made up of low-grade carbon steel wire, commonly known as mild steel. Mild steel is a low-cost material with a composition of 0.05–0.25% carbon, 98–99% of iron, 0.6–0.9% manganese and up to 0.4% silicon.
Why is steel wool heavier when burned?
The steel wool weighs more after it is burned. Since oxygen atoms have mass and are joined to the iron atoms, the resultant compound weighs more. If you were able to do this activity under perfect conditions, your clump of steel wool would weigh 30% more than its original mass.
What should you not use steel wool on?
5 Things You Should Never Do with Steel Wool PadsDon't use it with bare hands. ... Don't use it on stainless steel. ... Don't use it on oak. ... Don't forget that steel wool is flammable. ... Don't let them get rusty.
What happens when you put steel wool in water?
When steel wool is wet, the water seeps into the metal's tiny gaps. The water serves as an electrolyte to allow the electrons from the oxygen to gravitate toward the iron. The hydrogen bond in the water acts as an acid that gives rust its corrosive properties.
What is the blue stuff on steel wool?
An S.O.S Soap Pad. The soap is the blue substance seen in the pad.
What is the chemical formula for steel?
Because steel is a mixture rather than a chemical compound, steel does not have a set chemical compound formula. The naming convention for steel depends upon the steel's composition—what is mixed in with the iron—such as carbon steel or tungsten steel.
What is steel wool burned in?
Steel Wool is burned in an oxygen rich environment which dramatically increases the rate of reaction.
How to burn steel wool?
Procedure. Fill the cylinder with oxygen and cover it with a large glass square. Holding a piece of steel wool with tongs, ignite the steel wool by placing it in the flame of a bunsen burner. Quickly remove the glass cover and put the glowing steel wool into the oxygen. The steel wool will burn very brightly.
Does steel wool burn brightly?
The steel wool will burn very brightly.
What is steel wool made of?
The steel from which steel wool is made is called low-carbon steel and contains between 0.1 and 0.3 percent carbon by mass. An alloy like steel wool is a mixture of metals that results when two or more metals are melted and combined. Steel wool has a density of 7.84 g/cm3 and an average molecular weight of 55.7 g/mole.
How much does steel wool weigh?
Steel wool has a density of 7.84 g/cm3 and an average molecular weight of 55.7 g/mole. It is manufactured by shaving thin strips from steel wire and is sold by grade, or the thickness of each wool fiber. ADVERTISEMENT.
How to heat up steel wool?
Wear eye protection. Light the Bunsen burner and heat the steel wool from the top with a roaring flame. It will glow and some pieces of burning wool will drop onto the heat resistant mat.
How to light iron wool?
If fine steel or iron wool is used then it may be possible to light it using a splint. Equation: Iron + oxygen → iron oxide. 2Fe (s) + 3/2 O 2 (g) → Fe 2 O 3 (s) You may also wish to look at experiment try this student experiment investigating the change in mass when magnesium burns.
How long does it take to demonstrate iron wool?
As the reaction between iron and oxygen produces iron oxide, the mass increases. This demonstration takes around 5 minutes once it has been set up.
Summary
- Steel Wool is burned in an oxygen rich environment which dramatically increases the rate of reaction.
Chemicals and Solutions
- oxygen tank
- steel wool
Materials
- one large cylinder with sand in the bottom
- large cover glass
- tongs
- bunsen burner and matches
Procedure
- Fill the cylinder with oxygen and cover it with a large glass square.
- Holding a piece of steel wool with tongs, ignite the steel wool by placing it in the flame of a bunsen burner.
- Quickly remove the glass cover and put the glowing steel wool into the oxygen.
- The steel wool will burn very brightly.
Discussion
- Steel wool (iron) will burn in air quite gently, since air is about 20% (by volume) oxygen. When the steel wool is placed in 100% oxygen the reaction proceeds much faster and vigorously. 4FeX(s)+3OX2X(g)⟶2FeX2OX3X(s)