Non-burning paper: investigate the fire triangle and conditions for combustion

Ignite your learners’ curiosity with this reimagining of the classic burning banknote experiment. Use this demonstration when teaching the fire triangle and combustion to learners aged 11–16. You could also use it when teaching enthalpy of combustion and combustion of organic substances at post-16. In the demonstration, evaporating water holds the paper’s temperature below its ignition point, providing a memorable talking point.

This demonstration also works well at a public or outreach event, ideas on how to introduce a theme are included in the video.

Watch the supporting video and download the technician notes, including the full preparation and method.