Writing With Fire

A nitrate solution is used to write or draw on paper. When dry, the treated paper is ignited, and the writing burns with a bright flame while the rest of the paper remains mostly unaffected. This illustrates combustion, energy release, and the role of chemicals in altering material properties.

1. Dissolve sodium nitrate in a small volume of distilled water, stirring until fully dissolved.
2. Lay a piece of filter paper flat on the heatproof mat.
3. Use a paintbrush to apply the nitrate solution onto the paper in letters or patterns.
4. Allow the paper to dry completely (air dry or use a hair dryer on low setting).
5. Place the dry paper back on a heatproof mat.
6. Ignite a wooden splint and carefully touch it to the treated writing.
7. Observe the bright combustion of the written pattern, leaving the rest of the paper largely untouched.

Fire Writing - ScienceBang:

📄 How To Do a Fire Writing Demonstration - Lab Life: https://lablife.co.uk/how-to-do-a-fire-writing-demonstration/

• Try different nitrate salts to see if the flame effect changes.
• Experiment with different types of paper (filter paper, card, or tissue) to observe differences.
• Use stencils to create shapes or designs for a more theatrical display.

• Always wear safety glasses.
• Perform in a well-ventilated area and on a stable, heatproof surface.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby.
• Ensure no flammable materials are near the demonstration area.
• Do not inhale fumes produced during combustion.
• Handle all flames with care and supervise the demonstration at all times.

• Why does the sodium nitrate-treated paper burn more easily than untreated paper? (Nitrates act as oxidizers, providing oxygen to sustain combustion.)
• What type of chemical reaction is occurring during fire writing? (A combustion reaction, which is highly exothermic.)
• Why does only the writing burn and not the rest of the paper? (The untreated areas lack the oxidizer, so they resist ignition under these conditions.)
• How does this demonstration illustrate the transfer of energy in a chemical reaction? (The combustion releases stored chemical energy as heat and light.)