Q&A for How to Make an Explosion

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Where can I buy ammonium dichromate?

Bess Ruff, MA
Environmental Scientist
Bess Ruff is a Geography PhD student at Florida State University. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group.

Bess Ruff, MA

Environmental Scientist

Expert Answer

A local chemical supply company should sell it. You can also find it online if there isn't a chemical supply company near you.

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How do I make a very large explosion?

Community Answer

If you mix a little bit of sodium hydroxide, drain cleaner, with aluminium foil in a large bottle, it will create a gas. If you capture the gas in a balloon, and put it next to a fire, it will create a massive fiery explosion which will easily shake your house if you are doing it in your backyard.

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Question

Where do I get liquid nitrogen?

Community Answer

You can buy it online. The most popular ones are from Williams Medical Supplies.

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Question

Which one is the loudest?

Community Answer

Probably the dry ice or liquid nitrogen. These two are highly comparable since they have the most reaction force in the smallest space. However, you can make any of them louder by either using larger quantities (make sure you use a ratio to retain the same formula) or containing the reaction in a smaller, sealed container.\

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How can I make an easy chemistry science fair project?

Community Answer

For your science fair you can compare different types of explosions. For example, soda and Mentos vs. baking soda and vinegar.

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Does the soda bottle have to be empty, or have soda in it?

Community Answer

The soda bottle should be empty and washed out so it's not sticky.

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Question

Where can I buy dry ice?

Community Answer

Most grocery stores sell dry ice. Ask for it at the service counter. Be sure not to touch it with your bare hands!

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Are materials used at the tips of sparklers suitable for a black powder substitute?

Community Answer

Sparklers probably don’t combust quick enough, so it will possibly not create a big enough explosion, if there even is one.

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Can yeast be substituted for flour?

Community Answer

Not normal flour because yeast expands a lot, whereas flour doesn’t. If you use a self-raising/self-rising flour, it might work, depending on how much it rises. But flour is not recommended.

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