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Exploring Exothermic Reactions with Steel Wool

Apr 28, 2025

Exothermic Reactions Using Steel Wool and Vinegar

Introduction

  • Hosts: Ryan and Adam
  • Topic: Exploring exothermic reactions with steel wool and vinegar
  • Objective: Demonstrating how certain reactions release energy in the form of heat

Key Concepts

  • Exothermic Reaction: A chemical reaction that releases more energy (as light or heat) than it consumes.
  • Oxidation Reaction: Involves the loss of electrons from an atom, commonly results in rusting when iron is involved.

Equipment and Materials

  • Extra fine steel wool
  • White vinegar
  • Saran Wrap or paper
  • Thermometer
  • Glass or beaker
  • Bowl
  • Safety: Apron, lab coat, gloves, and goggles recommended.

Experimental Procedure

  1. Initial Temperature Measurement

    • Wrap steel wool around thermometer.
    • Place in glass/beaker until temperature stabilizes (control measurement).
  2. Soaking Steel Wool

    • Pour vinegar into a bowl.
    • Soak steel wool in vinegar for a few minutes.
  3. Post-Soak Procedure

    • Remove steel wool, squeeze out excess vinegar.
    • Wrap steel wool around thermometer and place back in glass/beaker.
    • Cover with Saran Wrap.
  4. Observation

    • After 10 minutes, temperature leveled off at 28.9°C.
    • Steel wool turns reddish-brown compared to untreated steel wool.

Reaction Explanation

  • Material Composition: Steel wool is made of iron alloy with a protective coating.
  • Role of Vinegar: Acetic acid in vinegar removes the protective coating, exposing steel to rust.
  • Oxidation Process:
    • Oxygen in air combines with iron to form iron oxide (rust).
    • Iron loses electrons to oxygen, causing oxidation.
    • Energy released as heat, classifying it as exothermic.
    • Also produces iron acetate.
    • Rusting continues until surface is fully rusted or oxygen is depleted.

Conclusion

  • Demonstrated an exothermic oxidation reaction using common materials.
  • Highlighted changes in temperature and color as indicators of the reaction.

Additional Information

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  • Engagement: Share your experiment results on social platforms with parental permission.