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Methane Bubbles
(d) burning bubbles of methane (CfE level 3, N4)
Another classic variant on burning stuff.
There is always the wow factor to be had when you set fire to bubbles of flammable gases that are actually in your hand.
Methane Bubbles – Risk Assessment
If you are considering trying a version of this with a gas other than methane, contact SSERC for advice before undertaking it.
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Flaming Soap Bubbles - Holding a Fireball in my Hand!
A classic chemistry class demonstration is to hold bubbles filled with methane gas or propane gas and light the bubbles on fire. Flames shoot from the teacher's hands and, magically, the teacher is not burned by the flaming inferno in his hand. But don't try this at home, because the teacher used science to ensure he didn't get burned...
I use this demonstration to talk about combustion reactions, natural gas, specific heat of water and many other topics. I also use it as an attention getter and show-stopper because it leaves such an impression on students - they never forget how their teacher lit himself on fire "all in the name of science"!
How to do the Propane or Methane Bubbles Demonstration
I use methane gas because it is available in my classroom lab. You may use propane from a portable canister if methane is not available.
-Methane or Propane
- Bubble Solution (recipe below)
-Safety glasses
Mix the bubble solution (see below) or use a commercial solution and pour into a glass or beaker. Run a rubber hose from the methane or propane tank and place the end into the glass of bubble solution. Turn on the gas and allow it to bubble until a sizable amount of bubbles are present. Turn off gas.
Wet your hand thoroughly with water (this is what will protect your hand from burning)! Scoop up a handful of bubbles in one hand, hold your hand at or above eye-level (heat and flame rise) and light the bubbles with the lighter.
Precautions: This is fire. It could burn you or the people around you. It could cause things around you to start on fire. It IS fire.
Wetting your hand will keep your hand from burning for a very short amount of time but only if you have a manageable amount of bubbles - too many bubbles will likely burn you.
Homemade Bubble Solution Recipe for making Flaming Soap Bubbles
This homemade bubble solution recipe can be used for any experiment where large sized bubbles are needed or for blowing bubbles just for fun!
- Distilled Water : 240 ml (1 cup)
- Dawn Dish Soap : 30 ml (2 tablespoons)
- Glycerine : 15 ml (1 tablespoon)
Pour all materials into a glass container and mix thoroughly. Store in a covered container. I store my bubble solution in a jar with a tight lid.
How does the Methane Bubbles Demonstration Work?
This demonstration shows a combustion reaction where oxygen reacts with a fuel (either propane or methane, depending on which is used). The balanced chemical equations for both reactions are shown below
Propane Combustion Reaction - Balanced Chemical Equation
Propane + Oxygen -> Carbon Dioxide + Water
C3H8 + 5O2 -> 3CO2 + 4H2O
Methane Combustion Reaction - Balanced Chemical Equation
Methane + Oxygen -> Carbon Dioxide + Water
CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O
Is it safe to hold fire bubbles in your hand?
Yes, if done correctly. Be sure to wear googles and a safety apron. Hold the bubbles above eye level because the heat and flames rise from the point of ignition. Be sure to get your hand very wet before doing the demonstration. Water has a high specific heat which means it takes a lot of energy to heat up water. The water on your hand will absorb much of the energy (heat) from the flame as it turns from liquid water to water vapor (gas). But, even with all the safety precautions, this demonstration is potentially very dangerous.
Keep on Learning! ~Craig
#Combustion #CombustionReaction #Demonstration #Demo #Fire #Methane #Propane #Bubbles #Molecules #PhysicalandChemicalProperties #ChemicalReactions #Gases #Thermodynamics #Energy #ChemistryDemo #PhysicsDemo
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SRA003 - Igniting floating bubbles filled with methane (methane bubbles) A set of risk assessed instructions for safely demonstrating this reaction. View / Download
Soap bubbles containing a mixture of oxygen and methane can be used to produce spectacular explosions and impressive shock-waves that will always please. Caution: You may need to obtain a special risk assessment from CLEAPPS to satisfy health and safety requirements; CLEAPPS should agree, providing the quantities involved are kept small.
Health & Safety information and model risk assessments. Guidance on appropriate equipment and laboratory design. Information on troubleshooting practical activities.
A classic chemistry class demonstration is to hold bubbles filled with methane gas or propane gas and light the bubbles on fire. Flames shoot from the teacher's hands and, magically, the teacher is not burned by the flaming inferno in his hand.
Instructions, including risk assessed control measures, for safely demonstrating the explosive burning of a 1:2 methane/oxygen mixture.
Procedure. Attach the rubber tubing to the plastic funnel (notching the funnel may be helpful). Prepare a soap solution in the demonstration table sink. Add glycerine to the soap solution for thicker walled bubbles. Connect the rubber tubing to the gas outlet on the demonstration table.
Many students have heard of both methane and natural gas but do not realize they are (virtually) the same thing. Make a bubble without lighting it, and ask the students why it floats upwards. Prompt them to calculate the molar mass of methane, CH4 and compare it to that of air (~29 g/mol)
A video of the Methane Bubbles activity, presented by Lee Marek, is available in Flammability of Gases, part of the Flinn Scientific—Teaching Chemistry eLearning Video Series. Materials for Methane Bubbles are available from Flinn Scientific, Inc.
SRA003 - Igniting floating bubbles filled with methane (methane bubbles) Noise at Work Regulations. Instructions, including risk assessed control measures, for safely demonstrating the explosive burning of a 1:2 methane/oxygen mixture.
The demonstration. Fill a plastic carbonated drinks bottle of between 300 cm3 and 500 cm3 capacity with water and pour the water into a measuring cylinder to determine its total volume. Pour one-third of the bottle’s volume of water back into the bottle and mark the level with a waterproof pen.