#shorts
The Whoosh Bottle is a dangerous science experiment that shouldn’t be done indoors!
This whoosh bottle is an experiment showing a mixture of alcohol and air ignited in a closed container.
The resulting rapid combustion accompanied by a “whoosh” sound and flames demonstrates the large amount of chemical energy released in the combustion of alcohol.
Setup:
Procedure
1. Add about 20–30 mL of isopropyl alcohol to the 5-gallon plastic jug. Do not add more than 30 mL of alcohol. Recap the
bottle of alcohol tightly and move it far from the demonstration area.
2. Lay the jug sideways on a flat surface allowing the alcohol to flow from base to mouth. Slowly swirl the jug for about 30
seconds, trying to spread alcohol liquid completely over the entire interior surface. This allows the liquid alcohol to volatilize and makes the vapor concentration uniform throughout the bottle. If a lot of liquid alcohol is still visible, swirl the bottle for another 30 seconds.
3. Pour out any excess liquid alcohol and shake out the bottle. Wipe the inside and outside neck of the bottle to remove any remaining liquid.
4. Stand the jug on the floor, placing it in the front of the room and behind a safety shield. Note: If desired, the demonstration can be performed on a fireproof demonstration table provided that the ceilings are at least 10 feet high.
5. Dim the lights in the room.
6. Light a match or wood splint that is taped to a meter stick or other long stick.
7. Stand back and, at arm’s length, bring the burning match or wood splint over or slightly down into the mouth of the bottle.
Note: Be sure you are on the safe side of the safety shield as well.
8. Observe the explosive “whoosh” that results.
9. After the reaction has subsided and all the flames are out, wait for a minute or two until the bottle has cooled slightly. Pour
out the water droplets from the bottle into a 25-mL graduated cylinder using a small funnel. As much as 12–14 mL of
water may result, showing that water is one of the products of the combustion of alcohol.
Safety Precautions:
Please read all safety precautions before proceeding with this demonstration.
• Isopropyl alcohol is a highly flammable liquid and vapor. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces.
May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid breathing mist, vapors or spray. Use in a well-ventilated room.
• Isopropyl alcohol cause serious eye irritation. Always wear protective eyewear when performing this demonstration.
Anyone viewing this demonstration should also wear eye protection.
• Always recap the alcohol bottle and move it far from the demonstration area. Never leave an open bottle of alcohol in the vicinity of the demonstration.
• A safety shield is highly recommended for explosions. Even the mildest explosion creates some chance of shattering and flying objects. Protective eyewear must be worn by the demonstrator as well as by anyone viewing the demo.
• Never perform alcohol explosions in glass bottles. The large quantities of gases (H2O and CO2) produced during the rapid combustion will easily shatter a glass container. Serious accidents have occurred performing this demonstration in a glass container—do not use glass. Only use a plastic jug, such as a 5-gallon water jug.
• Always pour out excess unvolatilized liquid alcohol from the plastic jug before igniting. If any liquid alcohol is left, it will increase the amount of gaseous afterburning. The liquid could also ignite, which may cause the plastic jug to melt. Always keep a lid or some sort of cover handy, which can be placed over the mouth of the jug to extinguish the flame if it begins to melt the plastic. Excess alcohol in the lip of the mouth of the jug and on the outside of the jug should be wiped off in order to avoid its igniting and softening the plastic jug.
• Never, ever use a pure oxygen environment as the potential for an extremely violent and deadly explosion is possible.
• Never use methyl alcohol for this demonstration. The high volatility of methyl alcohol means that it has the potential for
the most violent combustion of any alcohol.
• Replace the plastic “whoosh bottle” should it show grazing, frosting, cracking, or any small flaws. Routinely replace the bottle after approximately 20 uses or so.
• Do not perform this demonstration directly underneath smoke/heat detectors or sprinkler systems.
• Make sure the ceiling is at least 4 feet above the whoosh bottle to prevent possible scorching and fire.
