Strontium

Experiment:

Our assistant, Verena, had mixed strontium with sugar and several other substances, of which we weren’t told the names.
The white powder she obtained in that way was placed on a brick and drops of sulphuric acid were dropped onto it. As soon as you bring this mixture into contact with fire, the components react violently. Within seconds, we observed a jet of flames shooting up. The light was so intense, that everything looked blurred to us for some time after the experiment.

Explanation:

The sulphuric acid removes the water from the sugar. The other substances serve to supply the fire with oxygen, and the strontium is responsible for the red colour of the flame. Because of these red flames, strontium is used in fireworks.

In the end, Verena gave away the secret recipe:

• 20ml sugar (weighed out separately)
• 20ml NaCIO₃ (or KCIO₃ )
• 2 tsps SrCl
• 3ml conc. H₂ SO₄