======Bunsen Burner Soot======


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**Alternative titles:** Incomplete Combustion with a Bunsen Burner
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Place a Bunsen burner on a heat-proof mat and connect it to the gas supply.  
  - Close the air hole on the burner to restrict oxygen flow.  
  - Light the burner with a match or striker, producing a yellow safety flame.  
  - Hold a wire gauze or clean glass slide just above the flame.  
  - Observe soot (black carbon deposits) forming on the surface.  
  - Open the air hole to allow more oxygen in and note how the flame turns blue and stops producing soot.



====Links==== 
COMPARING BUNSEN BURNER FLAMES - which flame is hottest / cleanest / loudest etc... - 
Mr Smith's Physics online: 
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====Variations====
  * Try holding different cool surfaces (metal spatula, porcelain, glass) to compare soot collection.  
  * Compare the heating power of the yellow flame versus the blue flame.  
  * Use the soot-covered surface to illustrate how incomplete combustion contributes to air pollution.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Wear safety glasses and tie back long hair.  
  * Use a heat-proof mat under the Bunsen burner.  
  * Do not touch hot equipment or surfaces directly after exposure to the flame.  
  * Ensure proper ventilation, as incomplete combustion may release carbon monoxide.  
  * Always turn off the gas supply after use.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does the flame produce soot when the air hole is closed? (Because incomplete combustion occurs due to insufficient oxygen, leaving unburned carbon.)  
  * What changes when the air hole is opened? (More oxygen enters, leading to complete combustion with a blue, hotter flame.)  
  * How does soot formation relate to real-world pollution? (Soot particles from incomplete combustion contribute to air pollution and health issues.)  
  * Why is the blue flame preferred for heating in laboratory experiments? (It is hotter, steadier, and does not produce soot.)