Combustion of Methane in Balloons

CCA! Volume 5

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Combustion of Methane in Balloons

Balloons filled with only methane and filled with a mixture of methane and oxygen are ignited.


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Voiceover
Balloons with methane and methane plus oxygen differ in density. The balloon containing methane is ignited. The reaction is repeated in the dark. Now, the balloon containing methane plus oxygen is ignited.

Discussion
A balloon containing methane is less dense than air. A second balloon containing approximately equal volumes of methane and oxygen is more dense than air. Each balloon is ignited, first in the light then in the dark. The methane and oxygen balloon explodes with greater violence due to a more nearly stoichiometric mixture of reactants.
CH₄(g) + 2 O₂(g) ---> CO₂(g) + 2 H₂O(g) +803 kJ/mol

Citation:
	Shakhashiri, B. Z.	Chemical Demonstrations; University of Wisconsin Press: Madison, 1983; Vol. 1, pp 113-116.

Design, Text and Demonstrator:
	Gary Trammell	University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield, IL 62794

Videographer/Editor:
	Steve Dykema	University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield, IL 62794

Voice:
	Margaret Biddle	University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706

Audio Production:
	Greg Minix	University of Wisconsin - Madison, College of Engineering, Madison, WI 53706
	Jerrold J. Jacobsen	University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706