How To: Make an acetylene explosion

Make an acetylene explosion

A demonstration of the explosive potential of even a small amount of acetylene mixed with the right amount of oxygen. Watch to learn how to do this yourself. Make sure to wear goggles and stand at a safe distance when making your own acetylene explosion.

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1 Comment

I made an acetylene explosion in a 25 mL plastic graduated cylinder by dropping calcium carbide pieces into household hydrogen peroxide. This produced acetylene and oxygen at the same time. I did it outside and the wind blew out my burning splint. In the time I took to relight it more oxygen was produced so the explosion blew up the cylinder and permanently damaged the hearing in my right ear. So using a longer splint and hearing protection is definitely advised!

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