During the 20th century, the numbers of vehicles in the world increased dramatically. Back then, people did not realise the impact of exhaust emissions, like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, on our health and the environment.
Once it became known that some emissions were contributing to pollution and health problems, car manufacturers started finding ways of reducing these emissions. They found that certain metals played a part in reducing exhaust emissions.
One of the most common solutions to the problems is the use of devices called catalytic converters. They make use of very rare and expensive metals.
During the 20th century, the numbers of vehicles in the world increased dramatically. Back then, people did not realise the impact of exhaust emissions, like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, on our health and the environment.
Once it became known that some emissions were contributing to pollution and health problems, car manufacturers started finding ways of reducing these emissions. They found that certain metals played a part in reducing exhaust emissions.
One of the most common solutions to the problems is the use of devices called catalytic converters. They make use of very rare and expensive metals.
What problems do they create in terms of environmental sustainability?
Early coins were made of gold or silver. These metals had great value and people knew how to extract and refine them. But there was another reason why these metals were good choices for making coins. What do you think that was?
Work in pairs to investigate the reaction of iron with oxygen. You will need the following materials: safety goggles, tongs, iron wool, heatproof mat, glass bowl and lighter.
Carry out the experiment by following these steps:
1. Take a small roll of iron wool and stretch it out slightly. Note its colour and texture.
2. Place the iron wool in a transparent glass bowl that has been placed on a heatproof mat.
3. Burn the iron wool using the flame from the lighter, making sure the flame is spread throughout the iron wool.
4. Observe until the reaction has completed.
5. Allow the set-up to cool down before using the tongs to examine the burnt iron wool.
Caution: Wear safety goggles to protect from sparks. Conduct the experiment in a well-ventilated area. Keep a safe distance from the burning iron wool. Ensure long hair is tied back. Have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby in case of an emergency. Handle the burnt iron wool with tongs to avoid burns.
Answer the questions.
Why did you need to stretch out the iron wool at the start?
Work in pairs to investigate the reaction of iron with oxygen. You will need the following materials: safety goggles, tongs, iron wool, heatproof mat, glass bowl and lighter.
Carry out the experiment by following these steps:
1. Take a small roll of iron wool and stretch it out slightly. Note its colour and texture.
2. Place the iron wool in a transparent glass bowl that has been placed on a heatproof mat.
3. Burn the iron wool using the flame from the lighter, making sure the flame is spread throughout the iron wool.
4. Observe until the reaction has completed.
5. Allow the set-up to cool down before using the tongs to examine the burnt iron wool.
Caution: Wear safety goggles to protect from sparks. Conduct the experiment in a well-ventilated area. Keep a safe distance from the burning iron wool. Ensure long hair is tied back. Have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby in case of an emergency. Handle the burnt iron wool with tongs to avoid burns.
Answer the questions.
Describe the reaction when the iron wool was burnt.
Work in pairs to investigate the reaction of iron with oxygen. You will need the following materials: safety goggles, tongs, iron wool, heatproof mat, glass bowl and lighter.
Carry out the experiment by following these steps:
1. Take a small roll of iron wool and stretch it out slightly. Note its colour and texture.
2. Place the iron wool in a transparent glass bowl that has been placed on a heatproof mat.
3. Burn the iron wool using the flame from the lighter, making sure the flame is spread throughout the iron wool.
4. Observe until the reaction has completed.
5. Allow the set-up to cool down before using the tongs to examine the burnt iron wool.
Caution: Wear safety goggles to protect from sparks. Conduct the experiment in a well-ventilated area. Keep a safe distance from the burning iron wool. Ensure long hair is tied back. Have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby in case of an emergency. Handle the burnt iron wool with tongs to avoid burns.
Answer the questions.
Why did you need to use a flame in this experiment?
Work in pairs to investigate the reaction of iron with oxygen. You will need the following materials: safety goggles, tongs, iron wool, heatproof mat, glass bowl and lighter.
Carry out the experiment by following these steps:
1. Take a small roll of iron wool and stretch it out slightly. Note its colour and texture.
2. Place the iron wool in a transparent glass bowl that has been placed on a heatproof mat.
3. Burn the iron wool using the flame from the lighter, making sure the flame is spread throughout the iron wool.
4. Observe until the reaction has completed.
5. Allow the set-up to cool down before using the tongs to examine the burnt iron wool.
Caution: Wear safety goggles to protect from sparks. Conduct the experiment in a well-ventilated area. Keep a safe distance from the burning iron wool. Ensure long hair is tied back. Have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby in case of an emergency. Handle the burnt iron wool with tongs to avoid burns.
Answer the questions.
Describe the appearance of the burnt iron wool.
Work in pairs to investigate the reaction of iron with oxygen. You will need the following materials: safety goggles, tongs, iron wool, heatproof mat, glass bowl and lighter.
Carry out the experiment by following these steps:
1. Take a small roll of iron wool and stretch it out slightly. Note its colour and texture.
2. Place the iron wool in a transparent glass bowl that has been placed on a heatproof mat.
3. Burn the iron wool using the flame from the lighter, making sure the flame is spread throughout the iron wool.
4. Observe until the reaction has completed.
5. Allow the set-up to cool down before using the tongs to examine the burnt iron wool.
Caution: Wear safety goggles to protect from sparks. Conduct the experiment in a well-ventilated area. Keep a safe distance from the burning iron wool. Ensure long hair is tied back. Have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby in case of an emergency. Handle the burnt iron wool with tongs to avoid burns.
Answer the questions.
What is the substance formed from the burning of iron wool?
In their reactions with oxygen and water, potassium is more reactive than sodium. Look at the other elements in the same group. Which do you think will be the most reactive? Why?
