Hydrogen is one of my favorite elements. It is the simplest of elements, having only one proton and one electron (in most cases) but what it lacks in mass it more than makes up for in shock and awe!
Hydrogen is highly attracted to many of the elements on the periodic table but one of its favorite elements to attach with is Oxygen. When Hydrogen gas and Oxygen gas combine, with the help of a little energy (flame or spark), the two elements rearrange themselves and combine in a synthesis combustion reaction - making Water (H2O). In each of the hydrogen explosion demonstrations in the video, the reaction is creating water and releasing heat and light as the water forms.
Hydrogen Combustion Reaction
The hydrogen combustion reaction (often referred to as "burning"), occurs when 2 molecules of Hydrogen gas (H2) reacts with 1 molecule of Oxygen gas (O2) to form 2 molecules of Water (H2O). This is the reaction that takes place inside a fuel cell:
2H2(g) + O2(g) → 2H2O(l)
Craig Beals hosts "The Science Spot" on Montana This Morning with Ed MacIntosh and Victoria Hill on KTVQ to start the morning with a Bang!
Instructions for each of the five Hydrogen explosions:
#1: Hydrogen Balloon Explosion
Fill up a balloon with hydrogen gas
Tie balloon down to keep from floating away
Tape candle to meter stick
Place candle near balloon
Eye and hearing protection are required
#2: Pringles Can Hydrogen Rocket
Tear fresh-seal off top of Pringles can
Poke a hold near Pringles man's eye, large enough to fit Hydrogen tube
Punch a hole in the metal bottom of the can, this will become the top
Invert Pringles can so metal portion with hole is facing up
Fill entire can with hydrogen gas, be sure to completely fill with hydrogen or it will blow up immediately
Place a rubber stopper (or anything heavy enough) over the hole on top to keep gas from escaping
Remove stopper, place lighter near hole on the top, stand back, enjoy
Eye and hearing protection are required
#3: Soda Bottle Hydrogen Rocket
Melt or poke a hole in the bottom of a soda bottle
Melt or poke a hold about 3 cm below where the curve at the top of the bottle (neck) starts
Set up ring stand and iron ring
Invert bottle upside down so neck is facing down, resting on top of the iron ring; this is your launch pad
Fill bottle with hydrogen gas, completely evacuating all air from inside
Place rubber stopper (or anything heavy enough) over the hole on top to keep gas from escaping
Light, stand back, salute as your bottle heads to the moon
Eye and hearing protection required
#4: Hydrogen Bubbles
Bubble solution recipe
1 cup dishwashing soap (I prefer Dawn original)
12 cups water
3/4 Tablespoon glycerin (Glycerin [also known as Glycerol] is available at most drug stores)
Turn on gas (away from all flames)
Blow bubbles using a bubble wand
Set up a flame well above hydrogen gas
Let bubbles float up into flame
Watch, smile, enjoy the burning bubbles
Eye and hearing protection required
#5: Hydrogen Fireball in your Hand
Make hydrogen bubbles by placing gas tube in a beaker of bubble solution (see recipe above)
Get hands wet (this provides a barrier to the flame because water has high specific heat, meaning it does NOT like to change temperature easily - this heat buffer is only temporary and does not mean you will not get burned! But, as a chemistry teacher, I have done this demo countless times and have not had any problems - however, this is not an endorsement for you to try it!)
Scoop a handful of bubbles, hold at arms length and light
Eye and hearing protection required
Keep on Learning! ~Craig Beals
