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Burning Money

Posted by casanova on 09 April 2011

READ: 556 Hot

This is a neat 'magic trick' that illustrates the process of combustion, the flammability of alcohol, and the special qualities of the material used to make currency.In the burning money demonstration, paper currency is on fire yet is not consumed by the flames.

Scientific Concept behind Burning Money:

A combustion reaction occurs between alcohol and oxygen, producing heat and light (energy) and carbon dioxide and water.

C2H5OH + 4 O2 -> 2 CO2 + 3 H2O + energy

When the bill is soaked an alcohol-water solution, the alcohol has a high vapor pressure and is mainly on the outside of the material. When the bill is lit, the alcohol is what actually burns. The temperature at which the alcohol burns is not high enough to evaporate the water, which has a high specific heat, so the bill remains wet and isn't able to catch fire on its own. After the alcohol has burned, the flame goes out, leaving a slightly damp dollar bill.

Here is what you need to perform the burning money demonstration:

any currency bill (higher denomination if you're brave)
tongs
matches or a lighter
salt
solution of 50% alcohol and 50% water (you can mix 95% alcohol with water in a 1:1 ratio, if desired)

Have you gathered your materials? Let's burn money...

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