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The Nonburning Towel
Materials
- 50 ml Isopropanol Alcohol
- 50ml distilled water
- 1 liter beaker
- cloth towel (approx. 20 cm x 40 cm)
- Bunsen Burner
- Tongs
Procedure
- Mix equal ammounts of water and alcohol in a beaker.
- Immerse the dry towel in the alcohol-water mixture and thoroughly wet the towel.
- Squeeze the towel to remove excess liquid.
- Light the burner.
- Hold the center of the towel with crucible tongs.
- Keeping the towel at arms length, move it into the center of the flame and allow it to catch on fire.
- Continue to hold the flaming towel at arms length to minimize any chance of burns.
- As the Flame subsides, snuff it out with a quick jerk to avoid catching the towel on fire.
Hazards
Wear safety glasses and a labcoat!To avoid burns, the flaming towel must be handled with care. Combustable material must be removed from the vicinity, and a fire extinguisher should be available.
Isopropyl alcohol can damage the eyes severely.
