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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > April  >
In the Classroom
JCE DigiDemos: Tested Demonstrations
Using Hydrogen Balloons To Display Metal Ion Spectra
James H. Maynard
Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706

checked by Wayne Wolsey
Department of Chemistry, Macalester College, St. Paul, MN 55105

Cover
April 2008
Vol. 85 No. 4
p. 519

Abstract
We have optimized a procedure for igniting hydrogen-filled balloons containing metal salts to obtain the brightest possible flash while minimizing the quantity of airborne combustion products. We report air quality measurements in a lecture hall immediately after the demonstration. While we recommend that this demonstration be done outdoors or in a hood, the results show that contaminants do not exceed maximum allowable concentrations in a well-ventilated, large lecture hall.
Supplement
Discussion of air particulate limits with respect to the demo; NIOSH and OSHA chemical exposure limits; Air particulate testing; Photos of lecture hall and detectors
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Contents
More Information
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Citation
Maynard, James H. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 519.
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Keywords
Atomic Properties / Structure; Atomic Spectroscopy; Demonstrations; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Gases; General Public; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Metals; Safety / Hazards; Solutions / Solvents
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
2/26/2008
3/5/2008
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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