Steel Wool and Vinegar Exothermic Reaction

This experiment shows how rusting, a type of oxidation reaction, can release heat. When steel wool is soaked in vinegar, its protective coating is removed, allowing the iron to react more readily with oxygen. The oxidation produces heat, making this an example of an exothermic reaction.

1. Place steel wool in a beaker.
2. Pour vinegar over the steel wool and let it soak for about one minute.
3. Remove the steel wool and squeeze out excess vinegar.
4. Wrap the steel wool around the base of a thermometer.
5. Place both into a second beaker.
6. Cover the beaker with paper or a lid to help retain heat, leaving a small hole for the thermometer.
7. Record the initial temperature, then observe and record temperature changes over five minutes.

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• Try using different metals (e.g., aluminum foil or copper wire) to compare reactions.
• Soak the steel wool for longer or shorter times to see how preparation affects the reaction.

• Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from splashes.
• Wear gloves when handling vinegar-soaked steel wool to avoid skin irritation.
• Dispose of used steel wool properly—do not leave damp steel wool in a closed container, as it may continue to react.

• Why does the temperature increase when steel wool rusts? (Because oxidation is an exothermic reaction that releases heat.)
• What role does vinegar play in this reaction? (It removes the protective coating on the steel wool, exposing iron to oxygen.)
• Is rusting normally a fast or slow process? (Rusting is usually slow, but vinegar speeds it up by stripping away barriers.)
• How is this different from other exothermic reactions like combustion? (Rusting releases heat gradually, while combustion releases heat and light rapidly.)