Can a phosphorus explosion hollow out a pound coin?
Witness the volatile power of phosphorus in a controlled demonstration. This video captures the moment a phosphorus explosion blasts the centre out of a £1 coin, revealing the intense energy released during such a sensitive chemical reaction.
The demonstration showcases a highly dangerous and sensitive reaction where a phosphorus explosion is used to physically displace the middle of a £1 coin. While the video focuses on the visual impact of the explosion, the underlying chemistry is complex. The specific chemical equation presented is merely one possible reaction; under the extreme conditions required to blast through metal, the process likely produces a mixture of different phosphorus oxides.
Source: Blasting the middle from a coin - Periodic Table of Videos
