Re: things to do with dry ice?

[Cliff Parker <cparker@EMPOWERING.COM>]

Stefan Jeglinski wrote:

> > 8.) Burn some magnesium in a dry ice atmosphere. Tomorrow's Friday so
> > treat yourself right!
>
> > I like the burning magnesium demonstration.  I invite the local fire
> > department to view the event.  Every year there are rookies that have
> > never seen something 'burn' in pure CO2.  It also makes CO2
> > extinguishers more available when I need them (if you catch my drift...)
>
> I have to admit ignorance here, and since I do not have any magnesium
> handy (trying to get some tomorrow), I have to ask:
>
> What happens? Is it extinguished? Does it burn more violently? What?

Magnesium will burn without O2 it obtains oxygen from the CO2.  Get a large
slab of CO2 cut it in half with a saw and carve out a place to put 4 or 5
cc's of Magnesium.  Ignite the Magnesium with a torch (be careful it burns is
very bright).  Immediately cover the burning Magnesium with the other CO2
slab.  Air is basically cut off but the burning continues.  Turn off the
lights in the room and an interesting glow emits from the CO2 blocks.

> Stefan Jeglinski