Thermodynamics- Hey that's my dollar (Amanda Hrezo)

Author

Amanda Hrezo

Principle(s) Illustrated

• Exothermic

• Energy

• Thermodynamics

• Phases of Matter

Standards

• NGSS Science & engineering standards

  • Asking Questions

  • Developing Models

  • Constructing explanations

• NGSS Cross-cutting concept standards

  • Energy and Matter

• NGSS Disciplinary core idea standards

  • HS-PS 1: Matter and Its Interactions

  • HS-PS 3: Energy

Questioning Script

Prior knowledge & experience:

Water can change into the gas phase

Isopropyl alcohol is more volatile than water

Root question:

Why does the dollar not ignite?

Target response:

The water and isoprpyl alcohol are mixed together and when the ethanol is burning the heat is absorbed by the water rather than the bill.

Common Misconceptions:

The coating on the dollar stops it from burning

Applications

- Fire retardants

Photographs and Movies

References

Burning Money