Burning Money - Chemistry Demonstration

Scientific Concept behind Burning Money

A combustion reaction occurs between alcohol and oxygen, producing heat and light (energy) and carbon dioxide and water.

C₂H₅OH + 4 O₂ -> 2 CO₂ + 3 H₂O + energy

When the bill is soaked an alcohol-water solution, the alcohol has a high vapor pressure and is mainly on the outside of the material (a bill is more like fabric than paper, which is nice, if you've ever accidentally washed one). When the bill is lit, the alcohol is what actually burns. The temperature at which the alcohol burns is not high enough to evaporate the water, which has a high specific heat, so the bill remains wet and isn't able to catch fire on its own. After the alcohol has burned, the flame goes out, leaving a slightly damp dollar bill.

Materials for Burning Money Demonstration

Here is what you need to perform the burning money demonstration:

• dollar bill (higher denomination if you're brave)
• tongs
• matches or a lighter
• salt (or one of these chemicals if you want a colored flame)
• solution of 50% alcohol and 50% water (you can mix 95% alcohol with water in a 1:1 ratio, if desired)

Procedure for Burning Money Demonstration

1. Prepare the alcohol and water solution. You can mix 50 ml of water with 50 ml of 95-100% alcohol.
2. Add a pinch salt or other colorant to the alcohol/water solution, to help produce a visible flame.
3. Soak a dollar bill in the alcohol/water solution so that it is thoroughly wet.
4. Use tongs to pick up the bill. Allow any excess liquid to drain. Move the damp bill away from the alcohol-water solution.
5. Light the bill on fire and allow it to burn until the flame goes out