Australia's Science Forum

Hi all,
One of the teachers here wants to know if there are any demo's to show how red phosphorus works, like the sodium and potassium demo's. (I say, just strike a match!)
Thanks for any ideas
anne

Hi Anne,
I was interested so had a look on YouTube. Some great demos there but probably too dangerous for high schools. All the ones I looked at have to be done outside or in a fume hood and the risks associated with gaseous chlorine, liquid bromine and pot chlorate (if not all banned in schools anyway) far outweigh the educational value. Perhaps the teacher could show the clips to their class instead.
Cheers,
Fran

Hi All,

A good way (Safe as well) is to demonstrate the Phosphorus is to scoop a little in a spoon of a deflagrating spoon and igniting it with a BB. Safe and effective way for demonstrating it.

Cheers,

Robb.....

Thanks for that, easy enough for the teacher to handle..............
Anne

Hi Anne,
This might not apply to your neck of the woods, but in S.A. Red Phosphorous is a banned substance.
Cheers,
Lisa

I have looked into it, as far as I can see it is ok for us to have red phosphorus but not white. Any other Vic labbies feel free to tell me other wise. Wouldn't it be nice if all the regulations and guidelines we work under were federal and not state..............

Hi Anne,

Go For it!

Cheers,

Robb.....

When The National Curriculum, only a few years away. 2011 I think, comes in. We shall all be under the same guide lines. What they will be I have No idea. The National Curriculum board is up on the web for any one to follow. Science, English, and I can not think of the other subjects are the first to go National.

Hi All,

This will be interesting....

Cheers,

Robb.....