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Illuminating a Jack o’ Lantern is usually accomplished with a candle. However, the effect can be enhanced greatly with a little knowledge of chemistry. In fact, we can introduce color into the flame to make the effect much spookier, and green flames just seem more spooky! This is done by choosing a fuel and mixing it with a source of boron. When the fuel is burned, it stimulates the electrons in the boron compound to higher energy, “excited” states. When these electrons relax back to their lowest energy “ground” state, they do so by emitting light of a specific wavelength (approximately 547 nanometers). Put more simply, it gives off green light!
Green Flame Jack O’ Lantern
To light up your jack o’ lantern with a green flame you will need a few things:
1. Nitrile gloves—essential when handling any household/automotive chemicals.
2. A carved jack o’ lantern (openings large enough to allow for plenty of oxygen inside)
3. Boric acid – may be purchased at any Lowe’s, Home Depot or Walmart.
4. Methanol – may be purchased at Walmart or any auto parts store. This is used as a fuel heat treatment and the commercial name of this product is “HEET”.
5. Long-handled lighter
It’s the boron that produces the green color, so just sprinkle the boric acid inside the bottom of the pumpkin and add a splash of HEET. Use the long-handled lighter to ignite the flame from the outside of the pumpkin through one of the openings. The alcohol acts as the fuel and as it burns the boron, it produces a green color in the flame.
**If the smell of pumpkin and lighter fluid is not appealing, you can place the boric acid and alcohol in a small metal or ceramic container to avoid a "pumpkin pie/barbecue" scent. Also, because the alcohol vaporizes easily, always stand clear and take advantage of the long-handled lighter when lighting the flame. Make sure the flame is completely extinguished before adding new boric acid and alcohol to avoid an accidental burn.
NOTE! As with all Halloween Jack o’ Lanterns, always do this outside and on a flame safe surface and adhere to all safety precautions associated with each of these products. Safety first!
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