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Volcano Experiment That Involves Heat

There exist multiple ways to create volcano experiments. Some use chemical reactions to test heat and pressure while others do not involve heat but merely rely on increasing pressure. When testing volcano experiments with heat, it is important to pay close attention to the materials used to ensure safety for all involved.

Models
- The models for volcano experiments come in many forms. The base of the volcano can be made of materials like plaster, paper mache, clay or dirt. It is important to choose materials that will not melt quickly or have the potential to combust immediately. Additional materials that might help the experiment look more interesting or realistic include red and yellow food coloring and liquid dish washing soap. These materials will add to the visual effect of the experiment.
Chemical Reactions
- Chemical reactions will vary depending on which type of volcano experiment is being conducted. One volcano experiment that involves heat uses the chemical compound ammonium dichromate, (NH4)2Cr2O7, which is "an orange crystalline solid at room temperature," according to Oregon State University. Ammonium dichromate ignites when high heat is applied. The chemical then decomposes. Another volcano experiment uses liquid nitrogen. Experimenters drop boiling liquid nitrogen stored in a plastic bottle into a large container of water until the heat and pressure explode, causing a vertical eruption.
Safety
- In all scientific experiments, it is crucial to explore safety concerns before embarking on a task. Because chemicals and high temperatures are often involved in volcano experiments, having a source of cool water nearby is important. Safety glasses should be worn at all time in order to prevent damage to the eyes by chemicals or in the case of flying particles from the volcano model. Experimenters should understand the risks, potentials and possible reactions of the chemicals they use.
Physics
- Volcanoes erupt due to the build-up of heat and pressure. This build-up often takes hundreds or thousands of years, so volcano experiments do not quite replicate the physics of a real volcano. However, the chemical reactions that take place in volcano experiment models visualize the appearance of a physical volcano explosion. The liquid nitrogen experiment comes close to the real eruption of a volcano because it displays the gas-driven effects of an eruption.

Nature