Boiling Water in a Paper Cup
From UO Physics Demonstration Catalog
Return to Transfer of Heat
Description:
SAFETY NOTICE: This demo involves fire so you will need gloves, goggles/safety glasses, and a fire extinguisher. TIE UP lose hair and clothing. When you connect the rubber tubing make sure to connect it to GAS not AIR.
Fill the paper cup COMPLETELY with water. If you do not the top will ignite. Place the water cup in the ring burner but make sure to position the cup so that the seam is placed towards the small opening on the ring burner to prevent the seam from igniting. Turn up the gas and use a lighter to light the ring burner. The paper cup will not burn due to the water inside. NOTICE: The ventourri hole (the hole at the back of the ring burner) will occasionally ignite if the gas back tracks to it. If this happens immediately turn off the gas and then relight it.
Note: Since the water is heated on the side, the top of the cup is hot and the bottom is cool and can be touched.
Date Updated: 12/1/2021
Locations:
- Paper Cup: Shelf E-4
- Small Ring Burner: Drawer 59
- Stands: Next to Shelf N
- Clamps: Drawer 123
- Fire resistant gloves: Drawer 42
- Safety goggles: Drawer 142
- Fire Extinguishers: By computer shelf, by office room, by sink
