Classic Exothermic Reaction: Steel Wool & Vinegar

Measuring the temperature change resulting from the exothermic reaction of steel wool with vinegar.

Lab Summary

Students will measure the temperature change resulting from the exothermic reaction of steel wool with vinegar. They will also observe physical evidence of the reaction and confirm that the Law of Conservation of Matter has been satisfied.

Steel wool consists largely of iron (Fe) and is often used to polish wood or metal objects. Steel wool containing soap can be found in the supermarket – for example, "SOS" or "Brillo" pads for cleaning dishes. Plain steel wool may have an oil or other protective coating on it to prevent rusting. When steel wool is soaked in vinegar, a weak acid, this protective coating is removed. In addition, the presence of acid speeds up the rate of the oxidation reaction of iron with atmospheric oxygen (rusting).

Hypothesize: What kinds of evidence can you observe when iron in steel wool oxidizes? Is rusting a physical change or a chemical change?

Published: October 2002

Downloads

• Classic Exothermic Reaction - PASPORT (26 KB, .zip)

  Includes experiment setup, procedures and Datastudio file

• Classic Exothermic Reaction - ScienceWorkshop (26 KB, .zip)

  Includes experiment setup, procedures and Datastudio file

Here's What You Need

U.S. Educator prices shown.

Probeware (PASPORT Systems)

Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349

The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.

Learn more

PASPORT Temperature Sensor (PS-2125) - $30

Durable stainless steel temperature sensor with a wide measurable range. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.

Learn more

Probeware (ScienceWorkshop Systems)

750 Interface, USB (CI-7650) - $679

The 750 Interface allows students to measure force, temperature, pressure, angular velocity, acceleration, current, and magnetic field with a built-in function generator and oscilloscope mode.

Learn more

Temperature Sensor (CI-6605A) - $39

Used for measuring the temperature of liquids, air, and other materials.

Learn more

Other Materials

• Two pieces of steel wool, approximately 1 gram each
• Vinegar, approximately 50 mL
• Reaction container: an empty glass peanut-butter container with a lid works well.
• *Note: Cut a hole in the lid to allow the Temperature Sensor to fit down into the container.
• Lab glassware: 250-mL beaker, 250-mL Erlenmeyer flask, stirring rod
• Balloon
• Balance to record mass of system