A gherkin is fixed between two copper electrodes in a safety glass box. A high voltage of 3000 Volts is applied across the electrodes. The gherkin explodes with a loud bang, with only shattered remnants of the inside of the gherkin left to be seen.
How does it work?
Gherkins are a good conductor of electricity because of their high water and salt content. When a high voltage is applied, a high current also flows, which heats the inside of the gherkin. There is so much heat generated that the liquid rapidly evaporates, ripping the gherkin apart.
