How to Make Dry Ice Explode
Due to its cooling nature, dry ice has many uses, from freezing perishable foods and carbonating drinks to induce precipitation through cloud seeding. Due to its reactive properties, dry ice can also create special effects like smoke or explosion. Those who would like to study dry ice interactions can carefully induce a dry ice explosion at home with a few simple household supplies.
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Things You'll Need
- Empty plastic water or soda bottle
- Dry ice block
- Leather gloves
- Steak knife
- Water
- Hammer
- Safety goggles
Instructions
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1
Put on the leather gloves and safety goggles.
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2
Place the dry ice on the ground, and tap it with the hammer to break it into 1/4-inch-wide cubes.
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3
Hold the bottle in one hand and drag the steak knife down one side of the bottle gently to weaken the bottle.
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4
Place 20 cubes of dry ice into the bottle with a gloved hand.
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5
Cover the dry ice with water to expedite the explosive process.
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6
Squeeze the bottle to let out air, and quickly screw the cap back on.
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7
Throw the bottle away from your body as far as you can, and watch the explosion.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear heavy leather gloves when handling dry ice to prevent skin burns. Always handle dry ice outdoors or in a well-ventilated space. Skip Step 4 if you want to blow the cap off the bottle. Soda bottles tend to create stronger blasts than water bottles.
Keep dry ice away from children. Do not touch or handle the bottle after throwing it, as the reaction will still be occurring. Never use a glass bottle, as shards can injure those in the area.
