- How are the different colors of fire created?
- How can we control the scope of an experiment?
- What is the difference between gunpowder and dynamite?
A series of selected, fascinating experiments aims to answer the above questions and introduce students to fundamental concepts in physics and chemistry.
Students are introduced to familiar physical quantities, such as volume and pressure, and become familiar with basic chemical reactions, such as those involved in combustion. Among other things, they explore the properties of gases using balloons and see how a simple plastic bottle is transformed into a rocket.
Modules
- Introduction.
a. Key characteristics of explosions.
b. Monitoring conditions during the occurrence of a natural phenomenon.
c. Monitoring conditions during the course of a chemical reaction. - Natural Explosions.
a. The Role of Pressure. - Chemical explosions.
a. Bodies that react violently.
b. Activation energy.
c. Explosive substances. - The Science of Fireworks.
a. Light emission.
b. Colored flames.
c. Combustion reactions and the generation of motion.
d. Improved fuels.
Educational Objectives
To familiarize students with concepts in physics and chemistry related to explosions.
Stimulating interest in the applications of the “natural” sciences, such as Physics and Chemistry.
Developing investigative thinking with the aim of connecting familiar phenomena and theoretical concepts.
Bibliography – Additional Material
- Akhavan, J., The Chemistry of Explosives, Royal Society of Chemistry, ISBN: 978-184-97-3330-4
- Ebbing, D. D., and S. D. Gammon, General Chemistry, Cengage, 10th Edition, ISBN: 978-130-55-8034-3
- Roesky, W. H., Spectacular Chemical Experiments, Wiley, ISBN: 978-3-527-81524-1