Uploaded April 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
How to set a foam on fire.
Reagents and equipment: liquid soap, water, glass, zinc granules, hydrochloric acid solution, flask, cork with a gas tube.
Mix liquid soap and water in a glass beaker to make a soapy solution. Pour a solution of hydrochloric acid into a flask with zinc granules, stopper the flask with a cork with a flexible tube poked through that leads into the soapy water. Let the gas that forms in the flask pass through into the soapy solution. Foam forms, which burns when set on fire!
The interaction of zinc and hydrochloric acid gives off hydrogen gas. If it passes through a soap solution, bubbles of hydrogen will form, which will burn, as hydrogen is a combustible gas.
A similar experiment is waiting for you in the MEL Chemistry subscription!
Safety precautions: Warning! Only under adult supervision.
How to set a foam on fire.
Reagents and equipment: liquid soap, water, glass, zinc granules, hydrochloric acid solution, flask, cork with a gas tube.
Mix liquid soap and water in a glass beaker to make a soapy solution. Pour a solution of hydrochloric acid into a flask with zinc granules, stopper the flask with a cork with a flexible tube poked through that leads into the soapy water. Let the gas that forms in the flask pass through into the soapy solution. Foam forms, which burns when set on fire!
The interaction of zinc and hydrochloric acid gives off hydrogen gas. If it passes through a soap solution, bubbles of hydrogen will form, which will burn, as hydrogen is a combustible gas.
A similar experiment is waiting for you in the MEL Chemistry subscription!
Safety precautions: Warning! Only under adult supervision.
