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Self-heating cans

Self-heating cans are used to heat up some drinks and foods, such as coffee and soup.

The cans have two compartments, one surrounding the other. The inner compartment holds the
food or drink and the outer compartment holds calcium oxide and water. The calcium oxide and
water are separated by a thin barrier. If you press a button on the can, the barrier is broken.
The calcium oxide and water now mix and react together to heat up the contents of the can.

32020 Explain why it is important that the calcium oxide and water are separated by a barrier
when the can is stored.

32021 Explain what type of reaction takes place between the calcium oxide and water to heat up
the food or drink.

32022 Suggest some advantages and disadvantages of using self-heating cans. You can use
books and/or the internet to research additional ideas.

32023 Hot packs are used to relieve pain and cold packs are used to help sports injuries.
Find out the reactions taking place in hot packs and cold packs. Summarise your findings.

I can…
● classify changes as exothermic or endothermic

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Self-heating cans

● compare the advantages and disadvantages of using a self-heating can.

© Pearson Education Ltd 2015. Copying permitted for

purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free. 22