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Year 7

Bunsen burners

I can light a Bunsen burner safely and control the temperature of the flame.

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New
New
Year 7

Bunsen burners

I can light a Bunsen burner safely and control the temperature of the flame.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The heavy base of a Bunsen burner does not get hot
  2. Opening the air hole of a Bunsen burner changes from yellow and sooty flame to a hotter, clean and blue flame
  3. The gas tap can be turned to make the flame of a Bunsen burner smaller or bigger
  4. The splint used to light a Bunsen burner should be lit from the nearest Bunsen burner that is already on
  5. A lit splint should be carried with the flame pointing downwards a little and shielded with the other hand

Common misconception

All the Bunsen is hot, flames are the same temperature.

Ask students to explain why they are able to turn the collar without getting burnt. Explain why it is important to select the correct flame.

Keywords

  • Bunsen burner - Equipment used to heat things in science.

  • Blue flame - Hot, clean flame used for heating, produced when the collar is open and more air/oxygen is added, dangerous as it cannot be seen easily.

  • Safety flame - Orange-coloured flame produced when collar is closed and less air/oxygen, cooler and dirtier than the blue flame, easier to see so safer.

  • Collar - Small metal collar turned to change from orange to blue flame, does not get hot.

  • Splint - Thin, long wooden piece of wood used to light Bunsen burners.

Demonstrate to the class by holding up Bunsen burner to show the collar turning. Students should work in groups of 2-3 and rotate responsibilities for turning the gas tap on and carrying the lit splint.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Why is it important to follow safety instructions in a science laboratory?
To finish experiments quickly
Correct answer: To prevent accidents and injuries
To take breaks
To get the right result
Q2.
What general precaution should be taken when working near an open flame?
Correct answer: Keeping flammable materials away
Placing hands over the flame
Wearing loose clothing
Q3.
Which tool is commonly used to create a controlled flame in a laboratory?
A flame thrower
A candle
Correct answer: A Bunsen burner
A match
Q4.
What is a common object used to light a flame in the laboratory?
Correct answer: a match
a lighter
a taser
rubbing stones together
Q5.
Fill in the blank: Always the teacher if there is an unexpected situation during the experiment.
Correct Answer: alert, inform, tell, notify, call
Q6.
Fill in the blank: It's crucial to any open flame when not in use.
Correct Answer: extinguish, put out, turn off

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What part of the Bunsen burner remains cool even when it is lit?
The flame
Correct answer: The heavy base
The gas tap
Q2.
What colour is the flame when the collar of a Bunsen burner is open?
Yellow
Correct answer: Blue
Orange
Red
Purple
Q3.
Fill in the blank: A is used to light a Bunsen burner.
Correct Answer: splint, wooden splint, lit splint
Q4.
How should a lit splint be carried?
Flame pointing upwards
Correct answer: Flame pointing downwards a little and shielded with the other hand
Holding the flame close to the body
It should never be carried around the lab
Q5.
Arrange the following actions in the correct order when lighting a Bunsen burner.
1 - Check the collar is in the closed position and the gas tap is off.
2 - Use the nearest lit Bunsen burner to light the end of a splint.
3 - Walk to your unlit Bunsen burner at a safe speed.
4 - Turn the gas tap on.
5 - Place your splint near the chimney. Your Bunsen should light an orange flame
6 - Turn the collar to open the air hole to get a blue flame.
Q6.
Match each of the coloured flames to how open/closed the collar needs to be.
Correct Answer:orange ‘safety’ flame,gas tap fully closed

gas tap fully closed

Correct Answer:blue ‘gentle heating’ flame,gas tap partially open

gas tap partially open

Correct Answer:blue ‘roaring’ flame,gas tap fully open

gas tap fully open