A thin plastic cup is turned upside-down and filled with explosive gas, before being placed over a porcelain dish, on top of which lie small beads coated in platinum. After the cup is left for a few seconds a loud bang is heard and the cup flies through the air in shreds.
How does it work?
The platinum acts as a catalyst, triggering a controlled reaction between the hydrogen and the oxygen in the detonating gas, without any outside intervention. This reaction proceeds very slowly at first. However since it creates heat, the beads get hotter. Eventually the temperature becomes so high that the explosive gas in the beaker ignites and explodes.
Safety Tips
Although combustion does take place, it is harmless. It occurs in a split second and without any flames, so there is no fire risk. All the materials used in the experiment are flame resistant.
