Greg Foot explains that for things to burn they must be a fuel and have both heat and oxygen for the chemical reaction to take place.
He demonstrates how liquid oxygen can speed up the process of combustion, releasing energy in the form of additional heat and light. Greg then shows that water is very good at absorbing heat energy.
He explains that because the human body contains 73% water, this can protect it from burning provided the exposure to the heat is for a very short period time.
He demonstrates this by heating water in a balloon and by walking on a bed of hot coals.
Teacher Notes
This short film could be useful for students when discussing chemical reactions and the 鈥榝uel triangle鈥. Students could investigate what is required for the process of combustion to take place.
They could perform simple experiments on burning fuel such as magnesium ribbon and investigate conservation of mass and the products of combustion.
Curriculum Notes
These short films will be relevant for teaching physics and chemistry at both KS3 and KS4 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 4/5 in Scotland.
More from the Secrets of Everything:
Can you make a star on Earth? video
Greg Foot demonstrates that a star is just like a continuous chemical reaction.
How big is one giant leap on the Moon? video
Greg Foot finds out how high he can jump on Earth compared to on the surface of the Moon.
How can you survive a lightning strike? video
Just how dangerous is lightning and how can anyone survive a direct lightning strike?
If the whole world jumped at the same time would the planet move? video
Greg Foot investigates the question on everyone's lips; what if everyone in the world jumped at the same time?
Could I survive an asteroid strike? video
Greg Foot investigates what would happen if an asteroid collided with Earth.
Why is the sky blue? video
Greg Foot discovers why the sky is blue by examining the effect of the atmosphere.
Why can't I run fast? video
Will humans be able to run faster and continue to break world records?
Why do boomerangs come back? video
Why a boomerang will always return to its thrower when thrown correctly.
Can I escape from quicksand? video
Why quick sand is dangerous and the forces involved that make it difficult to escape from.
