Sulfur and Iron Reaction (The Whistle)

The elements sulfur and iron react to form iron(II) sulfide when heated together. If this reaction is done in a test tube or boiling tube using lightly packed wire wool a standing wave is sometimes set up, producing a whistling noise (about middle C with a boiling tube). I have not observed the noise using either iodine or phosphorous. If anyone can provide a rigorous explanation of the phenomenon I would be delighted to hear from you.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• sulfur
• sulphur
• iron
• iron(II)
• sulphide
• whistle
• noise

[ChemPics]

Agreed, it is similar, but the mechanism isn't the same. I have published a paper on this now.

[ChemPics]

The product, iron(II) sulfide is left in the tube

[aaron119982]

i have to do a poster on how the particles behave in the reaction, so can i please have some help?

[ChemPics]

@aaron119982 Hi Aaron, Where are you? you can email me on treluckey@gmail.com - at what level are you working? This is quite complex - Mike

[metamaterial]

That's actually a small thermoacoustic engine. The steel wool acts as a regenerator while it lasts.

[ChemPics]

@metamaterial Thanks for that. I have written a paper on this and will email it to you if you contact me. I'd be interested in your comments. I am on treluckey@gmail.com

[licetdavid]

This is similar to a Rijke tube, though yours is like a Sondhauss tube. Maybe knowing the names will help you look it up. Nice reaction!

[jityr2]

What happened after you let it cool down?

[XxchibikitsunexX]

i'm doing this in science at school currently :)

[IMVUdeathdemon]

GAH MY EARS!!! Bad idea to have the earbuds all the way up.....Amazing video though