Can Metal Burn?

Approximate Time to Complete: 10-15 Minutes + Questions & Journal Time

Experiment Card

Click below to download and print this experiment card:

About This Experiment

You will use an electrical current to create heat, and set metal (steel wool) on fire!

You’ll Learn:

• Metal can burn.
• Electricity can start fires.

Pre-Experiment Questions:

• What do you use fire for (in everyday life)?
• What are some things that you could use fire for, but you use electricity for instead?
• Can electricity start a fire?

Materials

• Fine-grade steel wool (0000 grade from the hardware store works best)
• 9-volt battery
• Contained fireproof surface

Safety Considerations

This experiment should be performed by an adult. This experiment involves open flames. Avoid burns. Wear protective glasses and gloves. Wear fire-resistant clothing. Conduct this experiment outside or under a properly ventilated lab hood. Do not conduct this experiment near flammable substances or objects. A fire extinguisher and first aid equipment should be available and within reach. Follow all other general safety procedures. Perform this experiment at your own risk.

Procedure

1. Fluff up the steel wool, and put it on your contained fireproof surface.
2. Touch the battery terminals (2 little bumps on the end) to the steel wool.
3. Step back, and observe. IT WILL BE VERY VERY VERY HOT. Do not touch it.
4. When the sparks stop, let the steel wool cool, and throw it away with your regular trash.

Questions & Further Research

Use these questions as a guide to write a journal entry, make a poster, give a presentation, or write a research report about your experiment or a related topic.

1. Can you name what was used for each part of the fire triangle in this experiment?
2. Can metal burn? What else can be used for fire fuel? Is there anything that cannot catch on fire (is there anything that is not flammable)?
3. What temperature does steel wool need to get to in order to burn?
4. Do you think this demonstration would work with a steel rod instead of steel wool? Why or why not? (Think about the oxygen between the steel wool fibers in this demonstration).
5. How is this demonstration similar to lightning?
6. How do electricity companies prevent electrical fires?
7. How can the concepts from this demonstration be used in the “real” world?
8. Go to the answer key to learn more about how this experiment works.