Flame-retardant chemicals can slow the spread of fire in homes and garments. But are these compounds naughty or nice? This week on Reactions, we ask whether old Saint Nick might want a flame-retardant suit…or choose to opt out. Continue reading
Tag Archives: combustion
Is fire a solid, a liquid, or a gas? – TED Ed by Elizabeth Cox
Sitting around a campfire, you can feel its heat, smell the woody smoke, and hear it crackle. If you get too close, it burns your eyes and stings your nostrils. You could stare at the bright flames forever as they twist and flicker in endless incarnations… But what exactly are you looking at? Elizabeth Cox illuminates the science behind fire. Continue reading
Christmas Tree Safety – Cool Science Demonstration
There’s nothing like the fresh smell of a real tree, but real trees can also pose a serious fire hazard if the tree accidentally dries out. Steve Spangler shares a “television-only” science demonstration with firefighters in a controlled situation that illustrates how dry trees are susceptible to catching fire and ways to avoid this potential fire risk. Continue reading
Is Premium Gasoline Really Better for Your Car?
Are you slowly killing your car by using below average gas? Olivia talks about octane ratings and how your vehicle is designed to handle them.
Hosted by: Olivia Gordon
Potato Candle Demo
In this demonstration, a peeled potato is cut into the form of a candle and an almond slice is used as the candle’s “wick.” The teacher lights the almond slice on fire and it burns. The students see the object, and make observations about it. Continue reading
Sandwich Bag Fire Starter
Grant Thompson – the King of Random – teaches me how to start a fire with a Sandwich bag. And we tried to melt glass in my backyard Continue reading
