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GASTEC Science Club

Experiments with combustion

Let's examine what happens to air during combustion (burning)

Experiments with combustion:
how oxygen is converted to carbon dioxide
1

Preparations
2

The air is examined before combustion
3

Burning a candle
4

After combustion
has finished, the air is examined
5

Interpreting the experiment results

1Preparations

You will need

  • One small glass beaker (500 or 1000 mL)
  • One candle
  • One candle holder
  • Matches or lighter
  • Gas detection equipment, comprising:
    • Gas sampling pump
    • Carbon dioxide detector tube 2EL
    • Carbon dioxide detector tube 2EH
    • Oxygen detector tube 31E

2The air is examined before combustion

2-1
Place the beaker upside down on a flat surface (e.g. a desk or table).
2-2
Insert detector tube 2EL in the gas sampling pump, measure the carbon dioxide concentration (the beaker spout, should provide an adequate opening for inserting the opposite end of the detector tube) and record the measured value.
2-3
In the same way, measure the the oxygen concentration with detector tube 31E, and record it.
Place the beaker upside down on a flat surface (e.g. a desk or table).

3Burning a candle

3-1
Place the candle in the candle holder and light it. Then place the beaker (upside down) over the candle and wait until the candle goes out.
Place the candle in the candle holder and light it. Then place the beaker (upside down) over the candle and wait until the candle goes out.

4After combustion has finished, the air is examined

4-1
Insert detector tube 2EH in the gas sampling pump, measure the carbon dioxide concentration (the beaker spout, should provide an adequate opening for inserting the opposite end of the detector tube) and record the measured value.
4-2
In the same manner, the density of oxygen is measured with detector tube 31E and then recorded.
Insert detector tube 2EH in the gas sampling pump, measure the carbon dioxide concentration (the beaker spout, should provide an adequate opening for inserting the opposite end of the detector tube) and record the measured value.

5Interpreting the experiment results

Sample experimental data

Oxygen Carbon dioxide
Before combustion approx. 21% approx. 0.03%
After combustion approx. 16.8% approx. 3.4%

During combustion the amount of oxygen
is reduced and the amount of carbon dioxide increases!