PURPOSE: To produce a hydrogen explosion.

DESCRIPTION: A balloon filled with hydrogen is tethered about six feet above head level. The burning candle on a stick is positioned under the balloon, creating the hydrogen explosion.

SUGGESTIONS: Don't hug the balloon.

REFERENCES: (PIRA unknown.) Click here to see a photograph of the hydrogen ballon explosion at the demonstration show for the Summer 2005 meeting of the American Association of Physics Teachers in Salt Lake City, taken by Pati Sievert of Northern Illinois University.

EQUIPMENT: Tethered hydrogen balloon, candle on stick, matches.

SETUP TIME: 15 min. (Hydrogen must be obtained from the Welding Shop.)