• Question: what is the gas that makes a huge explosion when fire is added

    Asked by scaryclown to Alberto, Chris, Emmanuel, Jennie, Michelle on 17 Jun 2013.
    • Photo: Chris Whittle

      Chris Whittle answered on 17 Jun 2013:

      There are a number of gases which explode when they come into contact with flames. The one you might be thinking of is hydrogen, as it is very likely to set on fire because it reacts very rapidly with oxygen. A hydrogen balloon famously set on fire called the Hindenberg might be something for you to look at. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindenburg_disaster

    • Photo: Alberto Lapedriza

      Alberto Lapedriza answered on 18 Jun 2013:

      Adding to Chris’ answer, Methane and Butane are two gases commonly used as fuel, which are very flammable and may explode in contact with fire.

    • Photo: Emmanuel Amabebe

      Emmanuel Amabebe answered on 18 Jun 2013:

      most hydrocarbons a highly flammable so they explode when fire is added. They are mostly used as fuels eg methane,butane, propane etc.

    • Photo: Michelle Taylor

      Michelle Taylor answered on 20 Jun 2013:

      There are many gases that are ‘flammable’ – that is, they will burn or explode when ignited. Not all of them will burn all of the time, they need to be at the right concentration – if they are spread too thinly they will not burn and if they are packed too tightly they will not burn – a bit of a Goldilocks complex if you ask me!

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