Fire Wand
Action: You bring the end of a glass rod in contact with the wick of a candle. There is a flare and the candle is lit.
You Need:
powdered potassium chlorate and sugar - equal quantities
a large candle whose wick has fluffy fibers
concentrated sulfuric acid
glass rod
ready water source - we are dealing with acid, you know
How: The end of the glass rod has been touched with concentrated sulfuric acid. This in contact with the mixed powder on the wick produces an instantaneous flare which lights the wick. The wick should be ruffled and the powder well interspersed in it. This will insure continued burning after the wick has been touched.
Why: Combustion of sugar is rapid in the presence of potassium chlorate.
Caution: Grind the crystals of potassium chlorate and sugar separately in a mortar.
If mixed and then ground, you may have an explosion!