An Acetylene Oxygen Mixture Exploding Under Water
An acetylene oxygen mixture explodes violently under water, producing water and carbon dioxide, generating significant physical effects such as bubble expansion and collapse, which can create implosion phenomena on nearby surfaces.
Combustion and Explosion Characteristics Under Water
When a mixture of acetylene and pure oxygen ignites under water, it combusts intensely. The reaction yields water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) as products. This combustion is powerful enough to disturb the underwater environment visibly.
Observers can see expanding bubbles at the ignition site. These bubbles rapidly grow, reach their maximum volume, then collapse due to the surrounding water pressure. This collapse produces an implosion effect, sometimes strong enough to lift nearby surfaces such as the bottom of a pool.
Safety and Handling Considerations
Acetylene is unstable at pressures above 1.5 bar, which may cause spontaneous explosions. Commercial practice dissolves acetylene in acetone within porous cylinders, stabilizing it up to 18 bar. This prevents unintentional detonation during storage and use.
Performing or witnessing an acetylene-oxygen explosion underwater carries a high risk. The pressure wave and bubble collapse can inflict severe injury or fatal trauma to anyone close by. Therefore, it is critical to avoid underwater ignition in populated or constrained environments.
Explosion Strength and Anecdotal Evidence
Acetylene-oxygen explosions generate strong pressure waves. For instance, small balloons filled with this mixture, when ignited, produce enough force to crack glass at a distance. Such real-world examples underline the energy density of the reaction.
Popular references to underwater ignition events, such as a televised stunt where a torch briefly went out underwater, support the observation that acetylene combustion can be suppressed temporarily but reignites explosively once oxygen is available.
Applications and Thermal Properties
The high flame temperature, around 5800°F (3215°C), makes acetylene-oxygen mixtures valuable for welding and cutting steel and other metals. This thermal output is superior to many other fuel gases, enabling efficient metalworking.
Summary of Key Points
- Acetylene-oxygen mixtures explode underwater producing H2O and CO2.
- Explosions create visible bubble dynamics and can cause implosions.
- Acetylene’s instability above 1.5 bar requires careful storage and handling.
- Underwater detonations pose significant safety risks to humans nearby.
- The reaction’s high temperature supports industrial welding uses.
What happens when an acetylene oxygen mixture explodes under water?
The mixture combusts violently, producing water and carbon dioxide. You can see bubbles expand and collapse rapidly due to water pressure. The explosion creates a vacuum that causes the pool bottom to lift, followed by an implosion.
Why must acetylene be stored with acetone and a porous material?
Acetylene self-explodes at pressures above 1.5 bar. When dissolved in acetone and contained with a porous substance, it can safely withstand pressures over 18 bar. This prevents accidental detonations during storage.
How dangerous is being underwater near an acetylene oxygen explosion?
Extremely dangerous. The blast can cause severe injury or death. The pressure wave and rapid bubble collapse under water can “blow your mind” if you are too close.
Can you describe the strength of acetylene oxygen explosions?
They are very powerful. For example, igniting an acetylene-oxygen balloon can crack nearby glass. The reaction releases intense heat, burning at approximately 5800°F in oxygen.
Why do bubbles expand and collapse after the explosion?
The explosion generates gas bubbles that expand quickly. After reaching a peak size, water pressure forces these bubbles to collapse, creating a powerful implosion. This is a clear visual effect under water.
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