Observing the behavior of different solid fuels in Combustion, Fuels and Flames – Class 8 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Combustion, Fuels and Flames

Activity Name: Observing the behavior of different solid fuels in Combustion, Fuels and Flames

Activity Description:

In this experiment, various solid fuels are burned one by one using a spirit lamp. The time taken for each fuel to catch fire and the nature of their combustion are observed and recorded.

Required Items:

1. Candle
2. Coal
3. Domestic gas (liquefied petroleum gas or LPG)
4. Charcoal
5. Magnesium ribbon
6. Wood
7. Cakes of cow-dung
8. Camphor
9. Wick of the oil lamp
10. Wick of the kerosene stove
11. Spirit lamp

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Collect all the mentioned solid fuels and arrange them for the experiment.
2. Set up the spirit lamp.
3. Take each fuel sample one by one and attempt to burn it using the spirit lamp.
4. Note the time it takes for each fuel to catch fire and observe how they burn (e.g., the color and intensity of the flame).
5. Record your observations in a table.

Experiment Observations:

• Note the time taken for each fuel to catch fire.
• Observe the nature of the flame produced by each fuel during combustion.

Precautions:

1. Perform the experiment in a well-ventilated area to avoid the accumulation of combustion byproducts.
2. Handle the spirit lamp and fuels with care to prevent accidents.
3. Keep a fire extinguisher or a container of water nearby as a safety measure.
4. Do not touch the burning fuels or spirit lamp during the experiment.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

1. Different solid fuels have different ignition times and burn characteristics.
2. Fuels that can be vaporized easily tend to catch fire quickly, while those that cannot be vaporized do not produce flames.
3. Some materials burn with flames, while others may burn without visible flames.