You can make a non-lethal bomb using some ingredients usually used in cooking. Since an explosion occurs, you should always take precautions. Never try to use it against someone, even if it is vinegar based. Vinegar is an acidic substance, and when it reacts with sodium bicarbonate, which is a basic substance, it produces carbon dioxide, resulting in an explosion.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Create a Bottle Vinegar Bomb
Step 1. Get the supplies
To make this bomb you will need vinegar, baking soda, toilet paper, duct tape, and a bottle. The ideal container is 50cl plastic, as it won't require a large amount of vinegar. If this experiment is carried out by a child, it will need to be supervised by an adult.
The best vinegar to use is distilled white wine. It is also one of the cheapest
Step 2. Pour the vinegar into the bottle
Open it and make sure you don't throw the cap away. Pour the vinegar up to halfway through the container. If its capacity exceeds 50 cl, add another 250 ml.
You can use a funnel to safely pour the vinegar without wasting it
Step 3. Wrap the baking soda
Take a square of toilet paper or a tissue and put a spoonful of baking soda on it. Fold or roll it so that it wraps around the powder so it doesn't react immediately to the vinegar. The card will act as a timing device for the explosion.
Step 4. Attach the paper to the cap
Don't use too much, otherwise it won't dissolve in the vinegar, and don't pour too much baking soda either, otherwise you won't be able to fit it into the cap and close the bottle. You can secure it all with tape or a little glue, depending on your preference. Stick the paper onto the inside of the cap.
- Once you have found the right fit, glue the baking soda wrapped in the tissue inside the cap.
- Be careful not to tear the paper and spill its contents.
Step 5. Close the bottle
Carefully insert the cap onto the bottle. You will need to pay attention to the contact between the two elements. Try not to puncture the paper and drop the baking soda. If you have this fear, you can secure the cap on the bottle with tape.
Step 6. Shake the bottle
At this point, you need to get the vinegar to come into contact with the baking soda. Then, shake the container for a few seconds, or until you feel that the internal pressure is increasing. Alternatively, you can turn it upside down, so that the vinegar gets to mix with the baking soda.
Stay close to the area where you want to detonate the bomb. You should only perform this step when you are ready to pop it
Step 7. Blow up the bottle
When you think the internal pressure is strong enough, throw the bottle on the ground. You could also place it on the ground and wait for the chemical reaction to pop the cork, however it might be more fun to throw it on the ground. Take a few steps back. You should be positioned at least 1-1.5m away from the bomb.
- For the explosion it is better to use a concrete surface rather than a lawn.
- Make sure there are no people in the area where you have decided to throw the bottle. Be careful not to hurt anyone.
Method 2 of 2: Make a Bomb with a Plastic Bag
Step 1. Get the supplies
To make this "bomb" you will need 250ml of vinegar, toilet paper, a plastic bag and 20g of baking soda. The beauty of these experiments is the ease with which you can get the material you need. You will probably also need an uncluttered sink and a pair of safety glasses.
If you plan to do this experiment with a child, be sure to monitor each step
Step 2. Wrap the baking soda
Spread a small strip of toilet paper (2-3 tears) on a flat surface. Take 20g of baking soda and pour it over the paper, then fold or roll it up (whichever way you prefer). Do not wrap the dust too tightly or the paper may tear.
If you roll it up, simply bend the ends to make sure the contents don't spill
Step 3. Fill the plastic bag
Keep it upright so it doesn't spill when you add the vinegar. Take 250ml of vinegar and carefully pour them into the bag. Add the baking soda wrapped in paper, then close the bag.
- If you are doing this experiment with a child, hold the bag still while filling it.
- When bubbles start to form it means that the reaction has started.
Step 4. Shake and detonate the "bomb"
Go to the area where you want to detonate it. The most suitable place is an open space. You could also use the sink, but you risk making a mess. Don't shake the bag too much; you just need to shake it a little (no more than 5 seconds), put it in the point you have chosen for the explosion and take a few steps back.
If you feel the bag begin to swell as you shake it, put it on the ground right away! It means it's about to explode
Advice
If you want a bigger bomb, increase the amount of baking soda in the mixture
Warnings
- Don't hold the bomb in your hand for too long.
- Never try to carry out these experiments in glass containers.
- Wear appropriate safety gear.
