Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

hiii friends,

i have seen an experiment of working model of valcano with chemicals potassium permanganate(KMNO4) , GLYCERINE AND SOME OTHER ORANGE SUBSTANCE TO BE ADDED FOR RED FLAME . so what that orange substance might be...? i want to know for my experiment...on this...pls post the views and answers.. even if u have any of such on valcano eruptions..pls let me know

thanks in advance.

Hi!
Perhaps if you could give us the website of where you found that project, it would be a little clearer as to what the mystery substance might be. In terms of red-orange color, calcium nitrate or calcium sulfate might be potential substances which they might have been referring to. Check out this website as well-
http://www.freewebs.com/akexperimental/ ... iments.htm
For more information on possible volcano experiments, you can also look at the Science Buddies guide-
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p027.shtml
Good luck!

Hi,

I think you are thinking of ammonium dichromate, sometimes used to model volcanic eruptions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ula2NWi3Q34

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mJbcMOa0GA&NR=1

Here are some written directions and description:

http://chemistry.about.com/cs/demonstra ... 33003a.htm

http://www.angelo.edu/faculty/kboudrea/ ... olcano.htm

Please note the precautions in handling ammonium chromate and its combustion products. If you are trying to do this in the context of a science fair, be sure it is allowed. The combustion products are carcinogenic which presents cleanup issues, and the experiment involves fire. Above all, please do not try to mix your permanganate glycerol experiment and this one, as the results could be unpredictable.

Have fun with the project!!!

Best Regards,

Barrett Tomlinson