A controlled explosion using hydrogen and air

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An enhanced image of a red-orange explosion against a dark background

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Show how a hydrogen–air mixture can gain explosive properties using a plastic drink bottle in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this experiment, students observe as a large fizzy drink bottle, from which the base has been removed, is filled with hydrogen. The hydrogen is allowed to burn at a small jet in the stopper of the bottle. As the hydrogen–air mixture changes in composition, an explosive mixture is reached, which students can witness exploding with a load bang.

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