Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: chris on 19/04/2005 16:58:34

Title: Pope Smoke Colour - How ?
Post by: chris on 19/04/2005 16:58:34

Hi guys

can anyone suggest how the vatican are likely to produce the black / white smoke that signals the progress of the papal election proceedings ?

Many reports suggest that "some chemicals" are added to alter the smoke colour, but what are these chemicals ?

Chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

Title: Re: Pope Smoke Colour - How ?
Post by: neilep on 19/04/2005 17:43:53

I found this http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7506702/ which may help to clear the fog !!!

Men are the same as women.... just inside out !!(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.world-of-smilies.com%2Fhtml%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2Fmini%2Fmini018.gif&hash=43d4f680fb1e52aecb14b539cb9eba2c)

Title: Re: Pope Smoke Colour - How ?
Post by: chimera on 20/04/2005 02:16:35

I thought they'd use some Quantum Thaumaturgic Device of sorts, but Catholics are old-fashioned, I forgot.

Title: Re: Pope Smoke Colour - How ?
Post by: chris on 20/04/2005 08:54:52

Thanks Neil, but that one, also, referred to 'chemicals' without saying what they are !

Chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

Title: Re: Pope Smoke Colour - How ?
Post by: Ultima on 20/04/2005 12:14:27

I bet they chuck a tyre on the fire to get the black [;)]

wOw the world spins?

Title: Re: Pope Smoke Colour - How ?
Post by: chris on 20/04/2005 18:05:08

You're not far off the mark - historically TARs (not tyres) were indeed used to make black smoke. For the white smoke presumably they used white rubber [;)]

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

Title: Re: Pope Smoke Colour - How ?
Post by: Exodus on 26/04/2005 14:04:13

I suggested conifer.

Title: Re: Pope Smoke Colour - How ?
Post by: pyromaster222 on 15/10/2005 15:13:39

purple smoke can be made by reacting aluminium and iodine the purple smoke is vaporised iodine and i dont think its very good for you.
the only problem with that is its very hard to get iodine and its also very expensive

Title: Re: Pope Smoke Colour - How ?
Post by: Simmer on 29/10/2005 19:47:15

quote:

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Originally posted by pyromaster222

 the only problem with that is its very hard to get iodine and its also very expensive

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...and the wrong colour! [:)]