Fireproof banknote

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Euro paper banknotes can be made fireproof.

Fireproof banknote is a demonstration of putting a

classes of fire.[1]

Explanation

A 50% (v/v) alcohol solution is composed of 50% alcohol and 50% water in which water acts as a

water vapour. Contrarily water is heated up, with some being evaporated as it absorbs energy from the combustion of alcohol.[2] The evaporating water helps cool down the system, so not all water is evaporated and the paper banknote is not burnt. The water-to-alcohol ratio should be 50% or higher; a lower ratio leads to the banknote being slightly burnt because there is not enough water to absorb the combustion energy and cool down the system.[2]

CnH2n+1OH(aq) + (3n/2) O2(g) โ†’ n CO2(g) + (n+1) H2O(g)[1][2]

Common alcohol fuels for this experiment can be methanol (n=1),[2] ethanol (n=2)[1] and both isomers of propanol (n=3).[2] The fire lit in this scenario is categorized as a class B fire (fire from flammable liquids), while the fire from burning paper (banknote) is categorized as class A.[1] The alcohol-water mixture flame can be hard to detect, so sodium chloride can be added to give the flames an orange-yellow color.[1][3] For safety purpose, a water tray should be prepared for emergency use in case a paper banknote caught a fire, and flammable and combustible materials should not be kept or put near the flame.[1]

Alternative materials or setups

Other materials

Main article: Money burning ยง Legality

Euro banknotes are recommended since it is made of paper and it is legally permitted to artistically mutilate it or burn in small amounts.[4] Moreover, there are no depictions of any persons on the banknotes.[1]

Aside from banknotes, a similar experiment can be performed by using towels,[2] paper[5] or exam paper.[6]

Other setups

No material

A solution of about 50% fuel alcohol and 50% water can catch on fire and extinguish itself in a "burning water" demonstration.[7] In contrast to the subsection above, this can be done in a glassware without any absorbing materials like banknotes, towels, or paper.

No fuel

Tap water may be added to a paper bag which then is put on a stove to boil. The paper bag can absorb water, which cools down the system and prevents the paper bag from being burnt.[8]

Gallery

  • A video of fireproof banknote experiment
  • A video of fireproof banknote experiment
  • A video of fireproof banknote experiment

References

  1. ^
    S2CID 216354702
    .
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Shakhashiri, B. Z. (1983). Chemical Demonstrations, Vol. 1: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press. pp. 13โ€“14.
  3. ^ "Money to Burn". Royal Society of Chemistry. Retrieved 17 Aug 2021.
  4. ^ "The European Commission. Commission Recommendation of 22 March 2010 on the Scope and Effects of Legal Tender of Euro Banknotes and Coins (2010/191/EU)". Official Journal of the European Union. 30 Mar 2010. Retrieved 20 Aug 2021.
  5. ^ Chen, P.S. (1974). Entertaining and Educational Chemical Demonstrations. Chemical Elements Publishing Co. p. 53.
  6. doi:10.1021/ed055p655.1
    .
  7. ^ Summerlin, L. R. (1988). Chemical Demonstrations: A Sourcebook for Teachers, 2nd ed. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society. p. 6.
  8. ^ "Boil Water in Paper Bag". Science4Fun. 19 December 2014. Retrieved 17 Aug 2021.
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