You know a chemical reaction takes place if one or more of these occur:

• Color changes
• Heat content changes
• Gas is produced
• A precipitate forms

A combustion reaction is defined as a hydrocarbon combining with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

CH₄ + 2O₂ CO₂ + 2H₂O

Metallic substances combine with oxygen in oxidation-reduction reactions, such as the rusting of iron.

4Fe + 3O₂ 2Fe₂O₃

Do these two types of chemical reactions suggest that anything that burns is chemically combining with oxygen in the atmosphere?

Steel wool is commonly purchased as pads formed from very thin metal threads. These pads (fine, medium, and coarse based on the size of the metal threads) are used as abrasives. "Steel" is produced by adding other elements, carbon is the most common, to iron. For this lab, consider the chemical formula for steel wool to be Fe. Is it possible that the fine threads of steel wool (iron) would BURN?

 

HINT: Specific formulas and an equation are required on this Lab Report. See the Lab Evaluation Rubric!

 

An impressive pyrotechnic display using steel wool.

Burning pieces of steel wool are being thrown off to make these sparks.

You DO NOT want to lose pieces during this lab!