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Chemistry

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    $\begingroup$ Big +1 for the first video illustrating the rapid expansion of the explosion (plus it's just really cool). The only nitpick I have is the first sentence of the second paragraph about the expansion due to the phase change. In the case of burning $\ce{H2}$ and $\ce{O2}$, we're converting gas to gas, and contracting from 3 moles down to 2 at that (2 hydrogens plus one oxygen going to just 2 waters) so I don't think that's relevant. But the rest of that paragraph hits it; the rapid thermal expansion in a confined area. Anyway, nice answer. $\endgroup$
    – airhuff
    Commented Apr 23, 2017 at 23:41
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    $\begingroup$ @airhuff Your comment is completely justified. Had I written the chemical equation first... $\endgroup$
    – Buttonwood
    Commented Apr 24, 2017 at 12:31
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    $\begingroup$ Presumably the reason the explosion is not bigger is that the explosive chain reaction depends on exact pressure/temp and composition. If you want to try a demo on this. Find a thin tin used for say granulated coffee, make a 2mm hole in lid and one in base for a rubber tube. Place on retort stand, fill with hydrogen from cylinder until you are sure its full, a minute or so, then remove tube close cylinder and get cylinder well away. Light hydrogen at hole in lid. Will burn then go out as it explodes. Lid is light , flies off, no damage. Have done this is lectures several times. Great fun. $\endgroup$
    – porphyrin
    Commented Apr 24, 2017 at 12:42