Grade 9 Science Experiment 8 - Exploring the Effects of Slow and Rapid Chemical Oxidation
Purpose:
The purpose of this science fair project is to explore the rusting effects of chemical oxidation. Oxygen is very reactive and makes up 21% of the atmosphere. The combination of oxygen with substances such as wood, oil and coal are what creates heat and light from flames. This combination of oxygen with other substances is referred to as "oxidation".
Slow oxidation occurs when metals, such as iron, rust. The oxygen in the air combines with the iron to form a compound called iron oxide otherwise known as rust. Rust is a slow process, but can be affected by the acidity of the environment surrounding the iron.
Rapid oxidation occurs when you burn something such as candles.
Hypothesis:
Carbon dioxide is produced when a candle burns. The reaction of the candle and the oxygen in the air is a form of rapid oxidation.
Variables:
Size of jars or beakers
Limewater in a bottle that has only air
Limewater in a bottle that has had a candle burned in it beforehand
Materials Needed:
- Birthday candles
- Melted wax or clay
- Matches
- Pennies
- A variety of jars or beakers that are different sizes
- Stopwatch
- Limewater
- Two Narrow-neck bottles or flasks
- Two large round Balloons
- Two short plastic tubes
- Four 1-hole rubber stoppers
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