Final answer:
A Bunsen burner is ignited using a striker after the gas supply is turned on, with methane typically serving as the fuel. This results in a combustion reaction where heat is released corresponding to the enthalpy change of the reaction. Safety precautions must be observed, like having proper ventilation and securing loose items.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Bunsen burner can be ignited by holding the striker above the burner and striking it. This action is necessary once the gas supply is turned on and is what generates the flame used for various purposes in a chemistry lab.
Methane, the fuel commonly used in Bunsen burners, reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water, releasing heat in the process. This is an example of a combustion reaction, where the enthalpy change reflects the heat given off, often measured at constant pressure in line with atmospheric pressure.
When heating substances with a Bunsen burner, it is crucial to ensure safety by working in a well-ventilated space, avoiding flammable substances, and securing loose clothing and long hair.
Furthermore, the burning of fuel in a Bunsen burner, or any other form of combustion, starts as a thermal event described by the ideal gas law.
The heat produced during combustion is due to the increase in temperature, which in turn causes the pressure in the cylinder to spike due to the constant volume, thereby performing work.
It's also important to remember that methane, a covalent compound consisting mainly of carbon and hydrogen, is preferred as a fuel because it burns easily, producing a characteristic blue flame.