Daily Archives: September 1, 2016

Some types of stump remover are nearly pure potassium nitrate. — A lot of readers have asked me where they can find potassium nitrate or saltpeter, which is a common ingredient in many pyrotechnic recipes and other home science projects. Your two choices are purchasing it or making it from other chemicals. Get Potassium Nitrate From a Store Where do you find […]

Where to Get Potassium Nitrate (Saltpeter)

This entry was posted on September 1, 2016 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on June 28, 2021)

The dancing charcoal chemistry demonstration is extremely exothermic, so your test tube might break. Use caution!. Neil Tackaberry, Flickr — Chemistry demonstrations involving fire, color change, and sound leave a lasting impression on students. The “dancing charcoal” demonstration is sure to be a hit! Oxidation of Charcoal by Potassium Nitrate Drop a small piece of charcoal into a test tube of melted potassium nitrate and watch the charcoal dance as […]

Dancing Charcoal Chemistry Demonstration

This entry was posted on September 1, 2016 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on May 17, 2021)