Most people have seen model volcanoes that use baking soda and vinegar.These are fun, but they are not very similar to a volcanic explosion.To recreate a pyroclastic event, you need to mix a fuel that you can burn, set it into your volcano, and ignite it in a safe and responsible way.
Step 1: The reaction chamber should be made.
You can make a reaction chamber with a metal soup can.Remove the labeling from the can so that it doesn't catch on fire.If you want to empty the can, open it and clean it.
Step 2: The chamber should have sugar in it.
Sugar is the fuel source for your reaction.It will burn and produce heat and smoke.The sugar would produce carbon dioxide and water.To leave room for other reactants, fill one third of the chamber with sugar.
Step 3: Saltpeter can be mixed into the chamber.
Saltpeter is a good oxidizer.The sugar will burn faster and produce a more realistic model.You can use different ratios for different things.If you want to start with a 1:1 mixture, add the same amount of potassium nitrate as you did sugar.Do not heat the reactants.If you want to see which explosions you prefer, you can change the ratio.The faster the oxidizer is, the quicker the reaction is.A slower reaction will be caused by less potassium nitrate.You can ignite your fuel now that it is live.It should be kept away from any heat source, flame, or spark.Saltpeter can be purchased online or at most local hardware stores.
Step 4: The volcano has a reaction chamber.
You can put the can inside the opening of the volcano if you made a model volcano.A volcano can be built around the soup can.Either way, make sure your volcano is not made with dangerous materials.The reaction is very hot.Do not use paper volcanoes.You need to do the baking soda and vinegar reaction to make a paper volcano.Clay, stones, or metal won't catch fire.
Step 5: A model rocket ignitor is needed.
You can get a model rocketignitor at a hobby store.You can place an order online.The ignitor will allow you to set off the reaction from a safe distance.Make sure that the end of the ignitor is buried into the fuel mixture by putting it into it.If you want to hide the leads, you can cut two small holes in the can, but this is not necessary.
Step 6: Ash or soot should be added to the chamber.
The chamber should be filled with ash or soot.This doesn't do anything for the chemical reaction, but it will be thrown into the air.This will make your model look more realistic.
Step 7: The volcano should be taken to a safe place.
If the experiment is done in the wrong place, it can be very dangerous.You are likely to burn down the building if you do this inside.Take the volcano outside.Get away from trees and power lines.
Step 8: Run after the ignitor.
Theignitor will have two leads from it.Each lead has a piece of stereo wire connecting it.A safe distance from the volcano is 25 feet (8 1/3 meters) long for each length of wire.
Step 9: The leads to the battery have something on them.
Touch the positive end of the battery and the negative end.It doesn't matter which lead touches which end of the battery.The current will be sent to the ignitor to ignite the fuel.In volcanic style, the resulting explosion will send heat, smoke, and ash up into the air.