Copper acts as a catalyst in the combustion process of balsa wood, making the burning of the wood more efficient and producing a greener flame.
No, only pure copper should be used as alloys or impure copper may interfere with the combustion process and produce unwanted byproducts.
The recommended amount is approximately 1 gram of copper for every 10 grams of balsa wood. It is important to not exceed this ratio as it may lead to excessive smoke or undesirable flames.
As long as proper safety precautions are taken, such as wearing gloves and goggles, it is generally safe to handle copper while burning balsa wood. However, it is important to handle copper with caution as it can be hot and may cause burns.
Other materials that can act as catalysts in the combustion process of balsa wood include iron, nickel, and aluminum. However, each material may produce a different color flame and may require different ratios to achieve the desired effect.