5 Ways to Create an Explosion

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-02 02:12

Calling it a science experiment would not be correct (it is a demonstration!), But no matter what we want to call it, an explosion is a great way to have fun with science! Whether you are looking for a serious science project or you just want to have fun using your brain, there are many ways to create different types of explosion.

The first 3 demonstrations can be performed by children with adult supervision. The last 3 must only be performed by an adult

Steps

Method 1 of 6: Hydrogen Peroxide

Step 1. Get the necessary materials

You will need 30% hydrogen peroxide, dishwashing liquid, food coloring, dry yeast, water, a funnel, and a 2L bottle of fizzy drink. You can find these products at department stores, pharmacies and even online. The supervision of an adult person during this demonstration is also important.

• This is an experiment that even children can do, as long as there is an adult present.
• Set up the demonstration in an area that is easy to clean.
• 30% hydrogen peroxide will create the most striking explosion.

Step 2. Pour some hydrogen peroxide into a plastic bottle

Take a two-liter plastic bottle and pour hydrogen peroxide into it. The more concentrated the product (in percentage), the greater the explosion … but proceed carefully: hydrogen peroxide is highly burning! As you pour it, wear protective gloves, use a funnel, and get help from an adult.

Step 3. Add the dish soap

Pour a tablespoon or two of liquid dish soap into the bottle.

Step 4. Add some food coloring

Its function is to create a colorful explosion, so if that's the effect you want to achieve, sprinkle some into the mixture.

Step 5. Prepare the yeast

Mix 1 tablespoon of yeast and 3 tablespoons of water separately in a separate bowl.

Step 6. Pour the yeast into the bottle

Go fast and walk away.

Step 7. Boooom

Yeast and hydrogen peroxide will produce a foam explosion. Proceed with caution, this reaction is exothermic; it means that it produces heat. Do not touch the foam immediately because it is hot!

Method 2 of 6: Ivory soap

Step 1. Get a piece of Ivory soap

It must necessarily be of this brand, new and never used. You can find it in the supermarket or department stores.

• This is a great experiment for children, but make sure you have permission from your parents or a responsible adult to prepare for this demonstration.

  Ask for their help or to supervise.

Step 2. Cut the soap

Cut the soap bar into 6 pieces. For this operation it is better to get help from an adult, although it is not too difficult. You can use an ordinary knife.

Step 3. Arrange the soap pieces on a plate

Use a microwave-safe dish or a sheet of wax paper.

Step 4. Place the dish with the soap in the microwave for about one and a half minutes

Step 5. Enjoy the explosion

Watch the soap being bombarded by microwaves and you will see it grow out of all proportion!

Step 6. Wait for the soap to cool before cleaning

Wait about ten minutes, then use a wet tea towel to remove the soap by pushing it into a garbage bag and clean the microwave.

Method 3 of 6: Diet Coke and Mentos

Step 1. Get a bottle of Diet Coke (possibly 2 liters)

• This is an experiment that even children can do, as long as there is an adult present.

  Make sure you work in an easy-to-clean area, such as a backyard or kitchen with a laminate floor.

• The aspartame contained in "diet" drinks is necessary for the reaction to cause the desired effect, so it is useless to try with other types of carbonated drinks.
• Use a fresh, sealed bottle. If the drink is degassed, the explosive effect will be less.

Step 2. Get the explosive material

Original mint Mentos are usually used for this experiment, but you can also use rock salt.

Step 3. Add the material to the cola

Open the bottle and insert the Mentos or rock salt.

Step 4. Get away

A huge cola geyser will explode from the bottle! Be careful or you'll take a coke shower!

Method 4 of 6: Ammonium dichromate

Step 1. Get some ammonium dichromate, you will need 20 grams

You can get it from any company that sells chemical reagents.

• This demonstration is for adults only.

  

  Step 2. Fill a deep enough pan with sand

  Then place the pan and perform the experiment under an aspirator.

  Any type of sand is fine

  

  Step 3. Add ammonium dichromate

  Make a small pile of them in the center of the sand.

  

  Step 4. Pour some flammable lighter fluid over it

  Pour it into the center of the pile.

  

  Step 5. Turn it on

  Using a match, light the mixture on the spot where you poured the liquid.

  

  Step 6. Observe the reaction

  It takes some time for the reaction to take effect, but in the end it will look like an erupting volcano!

  Method 5 of 6: Dry Ice

  Step 1. Choose a safe area to complete the demonstration

  Do this experiment outside, away from other people. Choose an outdoor area where there are no people nearby.

  • This experiment is not suitable for children. For adults only.

    

    Step 2. Get some dry ice

    It won't take much. Only a few cubes for each explosion.

    

    Step 3. Get some plastic bottles

    The stronger they are, the greater the effect of the explosion.

    

    Step 4. Pour hot water into them until they are half full

    

    Step 5. Drop a few dry ice cubes into the bottle

    Better to do it outdoors, with no people around and with some kind of protection. This type of explosion is quite dangerous.

    

    Step 6. Quickly cap the bottle and place it in the area chosen for the explosion

    

    Step 7. Step away and quickly take cover

    The increase in gaseous mass will cause the bottle to explode and it is easy to get seriously injured.

    Method 6 of 6: Liquid Nitrogen

    

    Step 1. Find a large open space

    This explosion is very powerful and dangerous, so you will need a very large space. This demonstration should only be performed by adults.

    

    Step 2. Get the supplies

    You will need a large garbage can (of good quality), about 20 liters of hot water, a plastic bottle, liquid nitrogen, and some choreography material (bags of peanuts, ping pong balls and other such).

    

    Step 3. Pour the hot water into the bottom of the bin

    

    Step 4. Pour the liquid nitrogen into the bottle

    Using a plastic glove, fill the bottle up to one third of the capacity. NOT cap the bottle until ready.

    

    Step 5. Add the choreography material and the bottle

    Very quickly, close the bottle tightly and put it in the bin with hot water. The moment you put the bottle in the bin, someone else should at the same time pour in the ping pong balls or whatever you have decided to use.

    

    Step 6. Escape

    Move away quickly, making sure to cover your ears with ear protection or the palm of your hands.

    If the bottle breaks or has not been properly capped, there will be no explosion. Wait at least ten minutes before approaching the bin to check the bottle and handle it with extreme caution

    Warnings

    • Don't put yourself or others in danger.
    • Proceed with extreme caution when handling potentially hazardous substances used in experiments.
    • Do not do anything illegal with these experiments.