Brian Sweeney
Tim Collier
NCSSM class of 2003 With Dr. Loren Winters
One ratio in particular we will observe more closely than any other - a hydrogen to oxygen ratio of 2 to 1. The reaction when combusted is as follows
2H2 + O2 --> 2H20
In theory, 3 units of gas undergoing a reaction with products of 2 units of gas should occupy less volume (according to Boyle's law and assuming heat did not have time to spread). The reaction of hydrogen with oxygen is one such reaction. Therefore, upon internal combustion, the balloon containing the 2 H to 1 O ratio should decrease markedly in volume upon ignition.
Our Goals:
- To photograph still and video images of a Hydrogen and Oxygen combustion.
- Answer the question of whether this ratio of 2 hydrogens to 1 oxygen expands or contracts just after the reaction starts.
- To investigate interesting phenomenon resulting from the explosions (or implosion)