Code Number: 4F10.42

Demo Title: The Cornstarch Flamethrower

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Explosive Mixtures, Critical Concentrations

Area of Study: Chemistry and Physics

Equipment:

1 Gal. Can Flame App, Candles, Disposable Grill Lighter, Bunsen Burner, Cornstarch or Powdered Dairy Creamer

Procedure:

See the files for directions.

References:

Kyle Forinash, "Don't Try This at Home?", TPT, Vol. 47, # 1, Jan. 2009, p. 4.
Tom Concannon, "The Cornstarch Flamethrower", TPT, Vol. 46, # 8, Nov. 2008, p. 477.
Joey Green, "Flour Fireworks", The Mad Scientist Handbook, Vol. 2, p. 39.
William Gurstelle, "Do not make this mushroom cloud", Popular Science, August 2015, p. 65.

Disclaimer

These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist. The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose. The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources. Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks. These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage. Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.

Instructional Resources and Lecture Demonstrations

4F10.42 - The Cornstarch Flamethrower

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