Boiling water in a paper cup

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Back to 4B - Heat and the first law
PIRA index: 4B50.20

Description

A paper cup alone burns when put in contact with a flame; a paper cup filled with water won't.


Equipment

  • Paper cups
  • Flame source (torch, candle, lighter, etc)
  • Water
  • Support with clamps

Instructions

  • Install the paper cup over a flame.
  • (Optional) Burn the first paper cup without water to show it is indeed flammable.
  • Put water in the (second) cup and light the candle/torch.
  • Wait for the water to boil

Note: The cup with water may burn a little depending on its design but what is actually containing the water won't burn.


Keywords

water, paper cup, latent heat

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