Blue Flare
Action: A few drops of water from a medicine dropper fall on a small mound of powder. An instantaneous blue flare is accompanied by smoke.
You need:
Four grams powdered ammonium nitrate
one gram powdered ammonium chloride
zinc dust.
Why: The catalytic effect of water is shown on a mixture of oxidizing and reducing agents.
How: SEPARATELY grind the chemicals in a mortar. Mix the ammonium nitrate and ammonium chloride and place in a mound on a metal sheet. Sprinkle with zinc dust. You are now ready for the reaction with water.
CAUTION: Fumes and smoke that accompany this reaction limit its use to a large auditorium or a well-ventilated room. The high temperature accompanying the reaction suggests caution. Have a fire extinguisher and water handy.