Making a Volcano

An exciting demonstration volcano can be made with a bit of ammonium dichromate. This is a fun science demonstration that takes almost no time at all to prepare. Place a small quantity (12 to 15 grams, or half an ounce) of this orange powder on a clay tile. Form the powder into a cone shape. Dim the room lights, and light the top of the cone. The ammonium dichromate will burn fiercely while producing large volumes of a grayish green ash. Small orange sparks will shoot upward a couple of inches. This reaction can be incorporated into your papier-mache volcano model like this: At the top of your model, insert either a 30 ml crucible, a jar lid, or some other flame-resistant container. Coat your volcano model with a plaster slurry to fireproof it, especially near the top of the cone. Place the ammonium dichromate in the fire resistant cup at the top of the volcano, and light it. IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: There is some controversy about the hazards of this experiment. While it has been used for many years in education, some chromium compounds have been found to be carcinogenic. No one can eliminate the possibility of contracting cancer. And occasional exposure to most carcinogens has not been linked to the disease, only sustained exposure. It is left up to the user to weigh the risk versus the benefits of this chemical exposure. At any rate, you should take care not to ingest the reactant or its product. Wash your hands after performing the experiment, and use adequate ventilation.

Volcano