Bunsen Burner Experiment

Aim:
To successfully light a Bunsen burner

Hypothesis:
The Bunsen Burner if lit correctly will produce a flame that comes from the barrel. I also
think the flame will change colour/heat when moving the collar, which opens the airhole

Material:
- Gas tap
- Bunsen Burner
-Barrel
-Airhole
-Base
-Collar
- Rubber Tube
- Heat protection pad
- Safety Goggles
- Beaker
- Gauze Mat
- Tripod

Risk Assessment:
No. Risk Control Measure

1 Getting burnt (anywhere) Tie up long hair be careful

with the match and blow it
out instantly after finishing
using it

2 Spilling Beaker Be careful and stay far away

from the beaker

3 Gas leak Do not turn on the gas tap if

the rubber tube is not
connected. Ensure the rubber
tube has no punctures or
holes in it. If it does do not
use it as gas can leak through

Method:
 1. Place the Bunsen burner on a heatproof mat.  Connect the gas hose to a gas tap. 

2. Rotate the collar so that the air hole is closed. 

3. Light a match, turn on the gas, and bring the match close to but not over the top of
the barrel, as shown. The gas should ignite. If a hissing noise comes from the burner
or a flame burns at the jet, immediately turn off the gas. The burner is said to be
‘burning back’ and needs cleaning. Report this to your teacher. 

4.  Observe the flame with the air hole closed. This flickering yellow safety flame is not
very hot and is very sooty.

5. Gradually open the air hole, noting carefully what happens to the flame. This roaring
bluish flame is the one you use for heating. You can change the size of the flame by
adjusting the gas tap.

Result:
If the method above is followed correctly, your Bunsen Burner should be lit. If it is properly
lit, you can also change the heat and colour of the flame by adjusting the collar. Once you
turn the airhole, the flame becomes blue which is a hotter flame. However, this flame is
dangerous as it is hard to see from a distance and even up close. The part of the flame that
is nearly invisible to the naked eye is the hottest. The yellow flame (safety flame as it can be
viewed clearly) is known as a dirty flame as it is burning carbon and other dirty gases. The
blue one is clean due to it being mixed with air.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, my hypothesis was correct, and the expected result occurred. The flame on
the Bunsen Burner can be adjusted by adjusting the collar to close/open the airhole. The
safety flame is yellow and dirty as it is burning dirty gases such as carbon. The blue flame is
significantly hotter, cleaner and more dangerous due the fact that being able to completely
see the flame through the naked eye is not possible. The Bunsen Burner is dangerous, hence
having many risks. However, these are easily avoidable if control measured are thoroughly
followed.
Discussion:
1. Which flame was hotter?

The blue one

2. When the beakers are cool, lift each one and check underneath. What do you observe?
(skip)

3. Which flame was easier to see?

The yellow/dirty/safety flame

4. When you are not using a burner you should always leave the air hole closed. Why?

When you next light it and do not close the airhole then the flame will automatically
become too hot, and you can risk burning yourself

5. Suggest why it is important to light the burner with the air hole closed.

When you next light it and do not close the airhole then the flame will automatically
become too hot, and you can risk burning yourself. If you close the airhole then you can see
the safety flame which reduces the hazard of being burnt because you can’t see the flame.

6. What is the purpose of the gauze mat?

To evenly spread the heat emitting from the Bunsen Burner on to the base of the beaker

7. What is the purpose of the heatproof mat?

To ensure the surface is not damaged or burnt as the base can get quite hot as well.
1.3 Using a burner
Risk assessment:
No. Risk Control Measure

1 Getting burnt (anywhere) Tie up long hair be careful

with the match and blow it
out instantly after finishing
using it

2 Spilling Beaker Be careful and stay far away

from the beaker

3 Gas leak Do not turn on the gas tap if

the rubber tube is not
connected. Ensure the rubber
tube has no punctures or
holes in it. If it does do not
use it as gas can leak through
4 Surface can get damaged Place Bunsen Burner on a
protective heat mat

5 Surroundings can get burnt Move everything away

2. The blue flame is significantly hotter than the yellow one. This is because it is not burning
anything in the background letting it focus on the primary thing it is burning

3. (italics are corrections)

a. The yellow flame of a Bunsen Burner is called the safety flame
b. Yellow flames are dirty flames
c. The blue flame is the hottest flame of the Bunsen Burner
d. The tip of the yellow cone is the coolest part of the Bunsen Burner flame
e. There is a flame at the top of the barrel, and it is by far the hottest

4.
a. To exit immediately and notify the teacher in the lab
b. To tell the teacher as it needs to be cleaned, because it is backburning
c. Turn off the Bunsen Burner and then leave

5.
If the gas is turned without it being able to keep the fire alive, the gas will infiltrate through
the lab and can be very harmful if someone inhales it or is exposed to it via contact.

6.
The paper could get damaged

7.
The blue flame is the hottest and it can be achieved via opening the airhole

8.
The yellow flame is it is very visible to the naked eye even from a distance, which means it is
easier to know if you will get burnt or not

9.
The airhole is used to adjust to flame. If you open it it becomes blue and if you close it it
becomes yellow
10.
Excessive gas will be emitted trying to take turns through the tube

11.
The airhole allows gas/wind which is loud

12.
They are leaving the Bunsen burner unattended
Not wearing safety goggles
Touched the hot tripod

13.
Tie up long hair
Keep unnecessary items away
Do not touch the barrel
Do not turn on the gas when it is not connected to a tube
Do not touch the flame

Questions:
1. The flame is not fully blue, but it is beginning to become more blue than yellow
2. Yellow/ Dirty yellow
3. Should be shut so you can first see the safety flame and so it is not too hot