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======Cannon Fire Reaction======


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**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
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**Categories:** {{$demo.categories}}
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**Alternative titles:** Cannon Fire
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====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}


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====Procedure====  
  - Place a heat mat on the bench and set up a tripod and safety screen facing the audience.
  - In a large porcelain evaporating basin, measure about 30 mL of 20 volume (6%) hydrogen peroxide.
  - Add about 20 mL of ethanol to the same basin and swirl gently to mix.
  - Stir in a small spatula measure of a flame-coloring salt (for example, lithium chloride for red).
  - Move the basin onto the tripod where it is stable and clearly visible behind the safety screen.
  - Ignite the mixture at arm’s length using a tapered spill or extended lighter.
  - Using a spatula, sprinkle small portions of solid potassium permanganate onto the burning liquid over time; pause between additions to let each portion react.
  - Continue adding tiny amounts until a series of sharp cracks and bangs is produced; do not add too quickly.
  - Extinguish any residual flame safely and allow the apparatus to cool before disposal and cleanup.



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====Links==== 
Cannon Fire - Any Excuse for a Chemistry Experiment:
{{youtube>R6MHVXxeK3M?}}
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📄 Full procedure and risk assessment - SSERC: [[https://www.sserc.org.uk/resources/chemistry-resources/chemistry-resource-list/cannon-fire/]]


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====Variations====
  * Try different metal salts to compare flame colors (e.g., sodium chloride for yellow, copper(ii) chloride for green-blue), ensuring the salt is dry and used sparingly.
  * Dim the room lights so the flame color is more visible, keeping the safety screen in place.


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====Safety Precautions====
  * Safety glasses or goggles required; wear a lab coat and heat-resistant gloves.
  * Use a safety screen between the apparatus and observers at all times.
  * Hydrogen peroxide (20-volume) is corrosive/harmful; avoid skin and eye contact and clean spills immediately.
  * Ethanol is highly flammable; keep sources of ignition away and cap bottles promptly.
  * Add potassium permanganate only in tiny portions; never dump in all at once to avoid violent spattering or ejection of burning liquid.
  * Perform on a heat mat with a stable tripod; keep combustible materials clear of the setup.
  * Handle hot ceramics with tongs and allow full cooling before touching or moving.
  * Ensure good ventilation; have a fire blanket and suitable extinguisher nearby.
  * Dispose of cooled residues according to local guidance for oxidizers and flammable waste.


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====Questions to Consider====
  * What evidence shows a chemical reaction is occurring? (light, heat, sound, gas evolution, and color changes)
  * Identify the oxidizers and reducer in the reaction. (hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate are the oxidizers, ethanol is the reducer)
  * How does adding a salt change the flame appearance? (metal ions emit characteristic colors when excited in the flame; e.g., Li+ gives red)


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