Why pouring water on an oil fire creates a massive fireball
In short: Most people know the rule, but few understand the physics behind it. This video demonstrates why adding water to burning oil causes a violent explosion of flame rather than extinguishing the heat.
The reaction occurs because oil and water are immiscible. When water hits the burning oil, it sinks to the bottom and vaporizes into steam almost instantly due to extreme temperatures. This rapid phase change causes the water to expand by up to 1700 times in volume.
This expansion forces the fire upward and oxygenates the oil, creating a massive fireball. Dr. Peter Wothers performed this demonstration at the Royal Institution using a beaker of 150ml of oil to illustrate the extreme danger of this chemical reaction.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Creating a Fireball - Pouring Water on an Oil Fire
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/ideas-creating-a-fireball-pouring-water-on-an-oil-fire.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
