How to Make an Explosion

Co-authored by Bess Ruff, MA

Last Updated: March 17, 2023 References

To call it an experiment would be incorrect (you are doing a demonstration!) but no matter what you call it, an explosion is a great way to have fun with science. Whether you're looking for a science fair project or you want to just have some fun and use your brain, there are several ways to create different types of explosions with just a few simple steps. The first 3 demonstrations can be performed by children with adult supervision, but the last 3 demonstrations should only be done by adults!

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:

Using Hydrogen Peroxide

1
Collect your supplies. You'll need 30% hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, food coloring, dried yeast, water, a funnel, and a 2 liter (0.5 US gal) soda bottle. All of these materials can be found at big box stores, pharmacies, and online. It's also important to have adult supervision during this demonstration.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- This is an experiment that kids can do, as long as they have adult supervision.
- Set up your demonstration in an area that will be easy to clean up.
- A 30% hydrogen peroxide will make the most impressive explosion.
2
Pour some hydrogen peroxide into a soda bottle. Get a large 2 liter (0.5 US gal) soda bottle and pour in some hydrogen peroxide.^{[2]
X
Research source} The stronger (high concentration or percentage) the hydrogen peroxide you use, the bigger the explosion will be...but be careful: hydrogen peroxide can easily burn you!^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
U.S. National Capital Poison Center
Independent poison control center providing resources to prevent poisonings and save lives
Go to source} When you pour it in, use a funnel and get help from an adult.

Advertisement
3
Add some dish soap. Pour 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) of liquid dish soap into the soda bottle.
4
Add some food coloring. Add a healthy squirt of food coloring if you want your explosion to have a color. You can use any color you like!
5
Mix together water and yeast. Mix 1 tablespoon (8.5 g) of dried yeast with 3 tablespoons (44.4 ml) of water in a separate, small bowl.
6
Pour the yeast into the soda bottle. Pour it in quickly and stand back!
7
Kaboom! The yeast and the hydrogen peroxide will combine to make an explosion of foam. Be careful, this reaction is exothermic, which means it creates heat.^{[4]
X
Research source} Don't touch the foam right away because it will be hot!

Method 2

Method 2 of 6:

Using Ivory Soap

1
Get a bar of Ivory soap. Choose a fresh, unused bar of Ivory brand soap specifically. You can find it in grocery and big box stores.
- This is a great experiment for kids. But, make sure your parents or guardians give their permission for this demonstration. Ask them to help or supervise.
2
Cut up the soap. Put the soap on a cutting board and cut it into about 6 equal-sized pieces. You might need an adult's help to cut the bar safely, but it shouldn't be too hard. Just use a butter knife and cut it into 6 pieces.
3
Put the pieces on a plate. Put the pieces of soap onto a microwave-safe plate or a piece of wax paper.
4
Microwave the plate. Microwave the plate of soap for about 1 1/2 minutes.^{[5]
X
Research source}
5
Watch your soap explode. Watch the soap as it goes through the microwave and you will see it grow to enormous size!^{[6]
X
Research source}
6
Wait until the soap cools to clean it up. Give the soap 5-10 minutes to cool down. Then, use a damp rag to scoop the soap into a trash bag and clean the microwave.

Method 3

Method 3 of 6:

Using Diet Coke and Mentos

1
Get a large soda. Get a large 2 liter (0.5 US gal) bottle of Diet Coke or Diet A&W root beer.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Children can do this experiment as long as they ask an adult to supervise the demonstration. Be sure work in an area that is easy to clean up, like a yard or kitchen with laminate flooring.
- The aspartame in the "diet" variety is needed to make the reaction work, so don't try it with regular sodas.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
- Use a soda that is fresh and has not been opened before. A flat soda will make a smaller explosion.
2
Get your “explosive” material. Usually mint, Original Mentos are used for this experiment, but you can also use rock salt.^{[9]
X
Research source}
3
Add the “explosive” material to the soda. Open the soda bottle and drop in the Mentos or rock salt.
4
Stand back! A giant geyser of soda will explode up into the air! Be careful or you'll end up taking a shower in Coke!^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Chemical Society
Scientific society for those involved with chemistry and publisher of several leading peer-reviewed scientific journals
Go to source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 6:

Using Ammonium Dichromate

1
Get some ammonium dichromate. You'll need 20 grams (0.71 oz) of ammonium dichromate. Find your local chemical supply company to get your hands on some.
- This experiments is for adults only.
2
Fill a deep tray with sand. Get some sand and fill a deep tray or pan with the sand. Place this tray and do the experiment under a running ventilation hood.
- Any kind of sand will work.
3
Add the ammonium dichromate. Make a pile of ammonium dichromate at the center of the sand.
4
Add some lighter fluid. Put a small amount of lighter fluid at the center of the pile.
5
Light it. Using a match, light the pile where the lighter fluid is.^{[11]
X
Research source}
6
Watch the reaction. It takes time for the reaction to build but eventually it will look like an erupting volcano!^{[12]
X
Research source}

Method 5

Method 5 of 6:

Using Dry Ice

1
Select a safe area to complete the demonstration. Do this experiment outside away from other people. Choose an open area away where there are no people in close proximity.
- Children should not attempt this experiment. It is for adults only.
2
Get some dry ice. You won't need much. Just a few small chunks for each boom you want to create.
3
Get some plastic water bottles. Get a few plastic water bottles, such as those used for soda or water. The stronger the plastic, the better.
4
Put some water in the bottles. Fill the bottle about halfway with warm water.^{[13]
X
Research source}
5
Put the dry ice in the water bottle. Drop a few chunks into the plastic water bottle. You will want to do this outside in an area away from other people and with some kind of cover. This is a very dangerous explosion.^{[14]
X
Research source}
6
Cap the bottle. Quickly, tightly cap the water bottle and set the bottle down in the explosion area.
7
Get out of the way. Quickly get to a safe location. The gas buildup will cause the bottle to explode!^{[15]
X
Research source} Make sure you are away from the bottle or you could get hurt.

Method 6

Method 6 of 6:

Using Liquid Nitrogen

1
Set up in a large space. This is a very large, dangerous explosion so you'll need a very large space. This demonstration should be performed by adults, not children!
2
Get your supplies. You'll need a very large plastic garbage can (of good quality), 5 gallons (19 L) of warm water, a water bottle, liquid nitrogen, and some fun exploding material (like packing peanuts or ping pong balls).
3
Pour the warm water into the bottom of the garbage can. Use all 5 gallons (19 L) of water.
4
Pour the liquid nitrogen into the water bottle. Using a funnel, fill the bottle a third of the way. Do NOT cap the bottle until you are ready.
5
Add the bottle and the extra material. Very quickly, cap the bottle tightly and place it in the warm water. The instant you place the nitrogen-filled bottle in the water, someone else should be pouring in the ping pong balls or other fun material.
6
RUN. Get out of the way and be sure to cover your ears with muffs or flat hands!^{[16]
X
Research source}
- If the water bottle cracks or is capped incorrectly, the explosion will not go off. Wait at least 10 minutes before approaching to check the water bottle and be very careful when handling it.

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

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

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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.
Question

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.
Question

Where do I get liquid nitrogen?

Community Answer

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

Warnings

Be extremely careful with all hazardous materials used in these experiments.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 39 Not Helpful 12
Do not place yourself or others in harm's way.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
Use glasses to protect your eyes.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
Never do anything illegal with these experiments.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 9