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Code Number: 4B70.10
Demo Title: Fire Syringe
Condition: Excellent
Principle: Temperature Rise with Increasing Pressure
Area of Study: Thermodynamics
Equipment:
Fire Syringe, Matches (Match heads), and Cotton.
Procedure:
Cut the match head off a paper match and insert it into the heavy glass tube of the fire syringe. Insert the plunger into the tube and put this assembly into the safety cylinder and rubber stopper pad. Darken the room and PRESS THE PLUNGER VIOLENTLY!!!! The match head should flare when done properly. The most common mistake is not to press the plunger hard enough to cause the very sudden pressure increase necessary to increase the temperature enough to light the match. If you have fired the tube once and add another match head to the tube you must also blow in some new air (oxygen) or your results will be rather dismal. This demonstration can also be used as a model for a diesel engine.
WATCH OUT that the glass tube does not fall out the bottom of the safety assembly when carrying the unit around.
The PASCO unit is easier to use as the end cap screws out for reloading.
A very small bit of cotton will work in place of the match head. Experimentation will be needed to determine the proper amount. PRACTICE WILL BE REQUIRED!!!!
References:
- Wheijen Chang, "Teaching the First Law of Thermodynamics via Real-Life Examples", TPT, Vol. 49, # 4, p. 231, April 2011.
- Carl H. Hayn and Scott C. Baird, "Adiabatic Compression in a Fire Syringe", TPT, Vol. 23, # 2, Feb. 1985, p. 101 - 102.
- He- 5: Freier and Anderson, A Demonstration Handbook for Physics.
- H-179: Richard Manliffe Sutton, Demonstration Experiments in Physics.
- George M. Hopkins, "Force of Stream", Experimental Science, p. 195.
- Theodore Gray, "Hot Under Pressure", Popular Science, April 2010, p. 76.
- W. Bolton, "The Expansion and Contraction of a Gas", Book I - Properties of Materials, Physics Experiments and Projects, 1968, p. 43.
- W. Bolton, "The Expansion of Air", Book I - Properties of Materials, Physics Experiments and Projects, 1968, p. 44.
- "Fire Syringe", Pike's Illustrated Catalogue of Scientific & Medical Instruments, Pike's Illustrated Descriptive Catalogue of Optical, Mathematical, and Philosophical Instruments, 1984, p. 95.