Stage Play of Chemical Experiments： the Little Match Girl

doi:10.19894/j.issn.1000-0518.250144

Chinese Journal of Applied Chemistry ›› 2025, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (12): 1711-1716.DOI: 10.19894/j.issn.1000-0518.250144

• Chemistry Teaching and Experiment Innovation • Previous Articles

Stage Play of Chemical Experiments： the Little Match Girl

Jia XIONG, Rui-Ying LI, Zhi-Qun GUO, Jing-Yi GAO, Man-Yu ZHANG, Hai XU()

College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering，Central South University，Changsha 410083，China

Received:2025-04-07 Accepted:2025-07-09 Published:2025-12-01 Online:2025-12-30
Contact: Hai XU
About author:xhisaac@csu.edu.cn
Supported by:
the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22242011)

Abstract

Abstract:

On a cold winter night， a little girl sells matches on the street， yearning for warmth and care. Due to the biting cold， she lights the matches， and from the faint glow emerge three mysterious angels： Light， Fireworks， and Flame. They unveil the magic of chemistry before her eyes， from shimmering fluorescence to dazzling fireworks and warm flames， bringing her hope and courage. Through the engaging medium of a stage play， this article demystifies the principles behind these chemical phenomena and explores the applications of chemistry in daily life. It aims to help more people understand and appreciate the beauty and power of chemistry while feeling the warmth and hope within humanity. The chemical experiments featured in this article use easily obtainable materials and produce visually stunning effects， making it an ideal script for a chemistry-themed stage play. It can be widely promoted in various science popularization performances and even formal evening events.

Key words: Bioxalate fluorescent system, Iron powder combustion, Butane combustion, Chemical education, Humanistic care

CLC Number:

O611

Jia XIONG, Rui-Ying LI, Zhi-Qun GUO, Jing-Yi GAO, Man-Yu ZHANG, Hai XU. Stage Play of Chemical Experiments： the Little Match Girl[J]. Chinese Journal of Applied Chemistry, 2025, 42(12): 1711-1716.

Figures/Tables 5

Fig.1 CPPO fluorescence reaction

Fig.2 Iron powder combustion phenomenon

Fig.3 Flame palm effect diagram

Fig.4 Energy level transition diagram

Table 1 The wavelengths of spectral lines in the visible light region and the flame colors they present corresponding to common metal atoms

Element	ΔE/eV	λ/nm	Flame coloration
Li	1.85	670.8	Red
Na	2.11	589.0	Yellow
K	1.61	766.5	Purple
Rb	1.56	780.0	Violet carmine
Cs	1.38	852.1	Blue
Cu	3.79	424.7	Bluish green
Ca	1.88	422.7	Brick red
Sr	1.78	460.7	Magenta
Ba	1.52	553.5	Yellow green

References 9

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Stage Play of Chemical Experiments： the Little Match Girl

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