======Burning Paper with Ice====== **Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\ **Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\ **Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\ \\ **Categories:** {{$demo.categories}} \\ **Alternative titles:** Ice-Powered Fire, Sodium Peroxide and Water Reaction ====Summary==== {{$demo.summary}} ====Procedure==== - Tear or cut tissue paper into very fine pieces and pile them into a small cone shape about 5 cm high on an asbestos or tile plate. - Place about half a teaspoon of sodium peroxide on top of the paper cone. - Show students the small chip of ice and place it carefully on top of the sodium peroxide. - Step back and observe as the ice melts, triggering the reaction that produces heat and reactive oxygen. - Watch as the fine paper ignites into flames. ====Links==== Can Ice Burn Paper? (Discrepant Event) - Sam Yew: {{youtube>GTJPPVpQVwo?}}\\ 📄 Burn Paper with Ice? (half way down page - The Teacher's Guide: [[https://www.theteachersguide.com/sciencedemonstrations.htm]]\\ ====Variations==== None ====Safety Precautions==== * Perform only as a teacher demonstration—never student hands-on. * Sodium peroxide is highly reactive; handle with care using tongs and protective gear. * Always wear safety goggles, gloves, and a lab coat. * Conduct the experiment in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood. * Keep a fire extinguisher or sand bucket nearby in case of uncontrolled flames. * Dispose of residues safely according to chemical waste regulations. ====Questions to Consider==== * What reaction took place when the ice was added to sodium peroxide? * Why does burning require oxygen? * What was the role of sodium peroxide in this experiment? * What is the chemical equation for the reaction between sodium peroxide and water? * Is this reaction exothermic or endothermic? * What real-life processes also involve rapid oxidation with energy release (e.g., engines, metabolism)?