Gas Explosion at Musselburgh Grammar December 1, 2006
Posted by Brian in : Uncategorized, chemistry , 2commentsIf you want to see what happens when lit natural gas (Methane) and air mix in the right combination then click on the picture below.
This demonstration was carried out by Mrs Malley
(pictured right) in her S3 chemistry class.
The title of the unit is called “Blazing Away” and deals with the study of Fuels.
An old coffee tin with a 2cm hole in the bottom and 0.5cm hole in the lid is filled with Methane.
When the tin is full of Methane and the top hole is lit a yellow flame is seen. No explosion takes place at this point because there is so little air present.
As the gas burns off at the top, air is drawn in through the hole in the bottom and the flame turns blue. When the mix is just right then a combustion reaction can be sustained.
The flame emits very little light at this point and is often mistaken for being out, but its not, its now that the explosion takes place.
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