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Instructions
You will need a propane torch to heat the penny, a supported glass beaker, a bottle of acetone, a length of copper wire, a penny that dates before 1982 and protective gloves and safety goggles. Pour the acetone into the beaker while wearing gloves. Shape the copper wire around the penny so that it can be suspended above the beaker of acetone. While wearing goggles and gloves, heat the penny with the propane torch until it is red hot. Immediately suspend it over the beaker of acetone and turn out the lights. The penny should glow and radiate heat for 20 minutes or longer depending on how much acetone is in the beaker.
Composition of the Penny
Be sure to use a penny that was minted before 1982 since current pennies are 97.5 percent zinc and only 2.5 percent copper. Ideal pennies to use are those made between 1962 and 1982, which are 95 percent copper and 5 percent zinc. The copper in the penny causes the exothermic reaction with the acetone, so it is important that the penny you use is mostly composed of this element.
Safety First
In addition to wearing gloves and goggles, keep the propane torch stationary to avoid burns. It might help to have a partner for this project and have him hold the torch while you heat the penny in the flame. Acetone is highly flammable, so keep the propane torch away from it. When the experiment is complete, thoroughly clean the acetone remnants out of the beaker and let the penny cool before handling it.
Chemistry Lesson
The copper in the penny works as a catalyst to the oxidation of the acetone. The combustion products are carbon dioxide and water. These products cause the reaction, but the combustion does not consume the copper in the penny. The copper merely works as a catalyst, and the penny will be left unharmed, though rather hot, for the duration of the experiment.