What chemical reaction takes place in hand warmers?

Answer 1

Hand warmers are small (sometimes disposable) packets which are held in the hand and produce heat on demand to warm cold hands. They are commonly used in outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing to keep the extremities warm and assist insulated clothing. Other types of warmers are available to provide soothing heat for muscular or joint aches. Some hand warmers contain cellulose, iron, water, activated carbon, vermiculite and salt and produce heat from the exothermic oxidisation of iron when exposed to air. A second type generate heat through exothermic crystallisation of supercooled molten materials (usually sodium acetate) and are reusable. These can be recharged by boiling the warmers and allowing them to cool. Heating of the pads is triggered by snapping a small metal device buried in the pad which generates shock waves to initiate crystallisation. A third type uses lighter fluid (lighter fuel) or LPG which is reacted with a platinum catalyst to release heat by oxidation reactions. These can be used on many occasions by simply refuelling. Depending on the type and the source of heat, hand warmers last between 30 minutes (recrystallisation) though to 12 - 24 hours.

Answer 2

Some hand warmers contain cellulose, iron, water, activated carbon (to speed up reaction), vermiculite (water reservoir) and salt (catalyst) and produce heat from the exothermic oxidation of iron when exposed to air.

Answer 3

you push the button witch releses a liquid and it forms a chemical reaction and makes it heat. and its not to pick noses for whatever stupid brainless person put that.

Answer 4

Most of them work like lighters with butane.

Answer 5

heeby jeebys and other stuff XD

Answer 6

Exothermic, to warm your hands with.

Answer 7

Possibly Chemical to Thermal energy.

Answer 8

being stupid

Answer 9

exothermic