The combustion of iron wool

In association with

A close-up photograph of strands of iron wool burning white, orange and red against a dark background

Source: © Shutterstock

Try this quick teacher demonstration to demonstrate the increase in mass as iron wool is heated in air. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this experiment, students observe as iron wool is heated in air on a simple ‘see-saw’ balance. As the reaction between iron and oxygen produces iron oxide, the mass increases.

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