Exploding a tin can using methane

An orange flame shooting from a barely visible gas tank against a dark background

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Use this demonstration to illustrate how methane can create an explosive mixture with the oxygen in air. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this simple experiment, students observe as a large tin fitted with a press-on lid and a glass chimney is filled with methane. When the gas is lit at the top of the chimney, the flame burns down and causes the methane–air mixture in the tin to change composition.

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