Heating liquid using wire coils

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for heating a liquid to near boiling temperatures, specifically in the context of making ferrofluid. Participants explore alternative heating methods due to the absence of traditional heating equipment like a Bunsen burner or heating plate.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Practical application

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the feasibility of using nichrome or constantan wire wrapped around a beaker to heat a liquid by passing an electric current through it.
  • Another participant suggests using a small camping stove with solid fuel as an alternative heating method, emphasizing its practicality and safety.
  • A follow-up question is raised regarding the adequacy of the camping stove to provide sufficient heat for boiling.
  • It is mentioned that the camping stove can boil a saucepan of water, implying it may be effective for the intended purpose if enough fuel is used.
  • One participant expresses intent to try the suggested camping stove method.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of the nichrome/constantan wire method, and there is uncertainty about the camping stove's heating capacity. Multiple approaches are discussed without a definitive resolution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address specific electrical parameters or safety considerations related to using wire for heating. There are also no detailed comparisons of the efficiency of the proposed methods.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in alternative heating methods for chemistry experiments, particularly those lacking standard laboratory equipment.

Vandalus
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I'm trying to make ferrofluid according to this guide:
http://www.sci-spot.com/Chemistry/liqimag.htm
and in step 5 I need to heat the solution to near boiling but I don't have access to a bunsen burner or heating plate. Also I can't do this in the kitchen because this heating is to remove ammonia gas.

My question is can I heat a liquid to 100-110 degrees celsius by wrapping a nichrome/constantan wire around a beaker and sending a current through it? Is there a better way to boil this liquid?

Thanks.
 
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Maybe you still buy small camping stoves from camping stores? They are just a small folding frame, and you break off a piece of of solid fuel and put a piece in the middle of the frame and lit it. Place it on some concrete outdoors and heat your liquid over it. Rather than heat the beaker directly, sit it in a saucepan of water and heat it to near boiling that way. https://www.google.com/search?q=solid+fuel+for+camping[/color]

The solid fuel is harmless to handle, it's white, and lights when you touch a match to it.
 
But will it provide enough heat though?
 
It boils a saucepan of water. I expect you can keep throwing in more fuel if you need prolonged boiling.
 
ok thanks. going to try that.
 

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