Burning Food

Food is a source of energy - as this experiment shows in a dramatic way!

What you will need

glass funnel
long clean piece of rubber tubing
disinfectant
2 Bunsen burners
2 clamp stands
heat proof mats
spatula
newspapers 		a variety of powdered food substances (e.g. custard powder, hot chocolate, flour, etc.) do not use spices or other substances likely to cause an allergic reaction
safety screens
eye protection

What you do

  1. Eye ProtectionFine Dust
    Set up the equipment as shown in the diagram. Put heat proof mats underneath it.
    Important Diagram for Experiment
  2. The experiment makes a lot of mess so cover the surrounding benches with newspaper before you start.
  3. Work with a safety screen between you and the Bunsen burners and another screen on the other side to protect other people.
  4. Light your Bunsen.
  5. Put a spatula measure of powder in the funnel and blow. If you use lots of powder the flame will be dangerously large. Mixtures of substances are allowed provided the total does not exceed one spatula measure. Always dip the end of the tube you have blown in, into disinfectant between different blowers.
  6. Make a note of the colour of the flame.
  7. Your teacher may demonstrate the flame colours obtained from a selection of metal salts.
Eye Protection
eye protection must be worn

Fine Dust
fine dust