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Subject:
Re: Colored fire from a hydrogen balloon
From:
Charles Carlson <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informal Science Education Network <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 7 Jul 2011 15:54:05 -0700
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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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either one is very soluble in water.  I suggest you have another look at the MSDS's for both.  Cupric Chloride has some additional considerations.  As with most substances toxicity is a function of time and and amount.  Both have documented effects worth considering.
C
On Jul 7, 2011, at 3:40 PM, Isabel Van Dyke wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
> 
> Hello all,
> 
> I'm doing a magic-themed live science show and I want to make blue- or
> green-tinted fire for "dragon's flame." I'm planning to use cupric chloride
> or cupric sulfate. I have those two chemicals in solid form, but the MSDS
> informs me that neither one is flammable as a solid. Thus I need to get them
> in solution, probably in alcohol (though maybe water would work?).
> 
> The tricky bit is that rather than sprinkling the copper on an open flame, I
> want to use it with a hydrogen balloon. I've exploded lots of those, so in
> and of themselves they aren't a problem, but I'm a bit wary of adding
> alcohol to the Hindenburg.
> 
> Can anyone out there let me know the proportion of cupric chloride and/or
> cupric sulfate to alcohol (isopropyl? ethyl?), and any safety tips? I've
> seen this done before, so I know it's possible!
> 
> Thanks,
> Isabel
> --
> Isabel Van Dyke
> Science Activities Coordinator
> ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
> Ashland, OR
> [log in to unmask]
> 541 482 6767, ext. 218
> 
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Charles Carlson
Senior Scientist
exploratorium
3601 Lyon St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
[log in to unmask]
Tel:   415-561-0319
Fax:  415-561-0370

Skype: sciskypecharlie
MobileMe: [log in to unmask]
Twitter: charliec53
http://blogs.exploratorium.edu/whyintercept/













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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

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