Using physics to produce heat - need some ideas

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter orangeglow
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    Heat Ideas Physics
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the exploration of materials or metals that can react with a catalyst to produce significant heat. Participants are considering the requirements for these materials, including safety, cost, and controllability of the reaction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about materials or metals that can react with a catalyst to generate heat, emphasizing the need for safety, non-toxicity, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the specific requirements of the original poster.
  • A suggestion is made regarding the use of coal and ambient oxygen as a potential heat-producing reaction.
  • A participant points out a misunderstanding regarding the role of catalysts, explaining that catalysts are not fuels and do not get consumed in the reaction, using the catalytic converter in cars as an example of heat production without consumption.
  • A later reply humorously interjects with "Yoink!" without contributing to the technical discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there is confusion about the definitions of catalysts and fuels, and multiple viewpoints are presented regarding potential heat-producing reactions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights a potential misunderstanding of chemical roles, particularly the distinction between catalysts and fuels, which may affect the proposed ideas for heat production.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in chemical reactions, materials science, and safe heat production methods may find this discussion relevant.

orangeglow
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Is there a material/metal that will safely react with another catalyst (fuel) material which will cause the material/metal to become very hot?

They should be:
- cheap materials
- safe and non-toxic (before and after reaction)
- controllable and long lasting reaction

Looking forward to some ideas :)
 
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Can you tell us what your requirement is ?
 
Coal and ambient oxygen?
 
The question confuses me. A catalyst is not a fuel; it's an essentially inert participant in a chemical reaction. Ie: it comes out the same way that it went in. It might or might not take part in the reaction itself, but returns to its original state when finished. A fuel is in some way utilized in a different reaction that produces energy.
As for heat production, the catalytic converter in a car runs at an average of 500°F. That is without being consumed in the reaction.
 

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