Burning of Camphor in Changes around Us – Class 7 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Changes around Us

Activity Name: Burning of Camphor in Changes around Us

Activity Description:

In this experiment, we will observe the burning of camphor and note the changes that occur during the process. Camphor is a substance commonly used in rituals like “harathi” and has various other applications, including insect repellent and medicinal use.

Required Items:

1. Camphor
2. Dish or container
3. Lighter or matchstick

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Take a small quantity of camphor and place it in a dish or container.
2. Ensure you are in an open-air environment or a well-ventilated area.
3. Use a lighter or matchstick to ignite the camphor and observe the process of burning.

Experiment Observations:

1. Initially, camphor changes from a solid state to a liquid state before it starts burning.
2. The camphor will produce a flame and continue burning until it is fully consumed.
3. During the burning process, the quantity of camphor reduces as it turns into gaseous products and dissipates into the air.
4. You may notice a distinct smell as camphor burns, which is one of its characteristic properties.
5. After the burning process, the original camphor is no longer present in its initial form.

Precautions:

1. Perform the experiment in a safe and well-ventilated area to avoid inhalation of fumes.
2. Handle the camphor and the flame with caution to prevent accidents or burns.
3. Keep the experiment away from flammable materials and ensure proper fire safety measures are in place.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

Through this experiment, we observe that the burning of camphor is a chemical change. During this process, camphor undergoes a transformation, changing its state from a solid to a liquid and finally to gaseous products. Additionally, a new substance, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, is formed during the combustion of camphor.