An Illuminating Reaction

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Catherine E. Matthews, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: CARBIDE LIGHTS OFFER AN EXCELLENT mechanism for introducing or reviewing many basic chemistry concepts, including elements and compounds, endothermic and exothermic reactions, physical and chemical changes, and balancing chemical equations. A carbide light is a lamp that combines water from an upper chamber with calcium carbide in a lower chamber. When water drips onto the calcium carbide, acetylene gas is produced. The gas flows to the top of the lamp and out through a hole at the tip of the light. A piece of flint is used to generate a spark, which ignites the gas.

Additional Information

Publication
The Science Teacher, 63 (5), 30 - 31
Language: English
Date: 1996
Keywords
Carbide lights, Basic chemistry

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