Ash Catalyzes the Combustion of Sugar

Description: A sugar cube will not burn unless it is first rubbed with ash.

Concept: Ashes catalyze the burning of sugar.

Materials:

• Sugar cubes
• Bunsen burner or propane torch
• tongs
• ashes (from a cigarette or fire place)

Safety: Be careful not to burn yourself.

Procedure: With tongs, hold a sugar cube in a flame (it will melt but will not burn).

Rub a sugar cube with ash. Hold this cube in a flame (it will burn).

Clean-up: If the sugar melts and makes a mess, clean it up. Leave the room clean for the next lecturer.

Notes: Developed for Ewing's C100.

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