Exothermic Reactions

Description

Allow students to see how chemistry can be used in a beneficial manner. Most students are probably familiar with heat packs, or hand warmers. Utilizing the release of chemical energy, these self-contained exothermic reactions are quite useful in cold environments. In this activity, students will first investigate the temperature change of an exothermic reaction and then examine how the oxidation of iron, in a process similar to rusting, can be used to create the little bags of heat used to keep hands and feet warm. The kit contains enough materials for 15 groups.