Purdue News

September 29, 2000 Fire and ice fuse for Oct. 14 chemistry show WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Can fire be carried in bare hands? How cold does it get during the winter on Pluto? Purdue University chemists will demonstrate these phenomena Oct. 14 during a chemistry show on campus. The one-hour show, called "Chemistry of Fire and Ice," will begin at 10 a.m. in Room 200 of Wetherill Laboratory of Chemistry, located directly north of Stewart Center. During the program, demonstrators will present a wide range of chemical reactions that involve fire and ice. For example, demonstrators will show how fire can be carried safely in bare hands, and will illustrate how cold the temperature is on Pluto and what effect those temperatures have on ordinary items here on Earth. The show also will include demonstrations of a ring of fire, metal fires that burn very brightly and a compound that starts burning when soaked with water. The demonstrations are geared for children and adults of all ages and are open to the public free of charge. CONTACT: Paul Smith, (765) 494-5307; psmith4@purdue.edu. To the Purdue News and Photos Page