News Chemistry

Sodium and other alkali explosions finally explained

Before a blast, metals bristle as electrons flee

camera filming experimental setup

CHEMICAL BLOCKBUSTER  Film of a fiery reaction explains the surprising trigger for a classic explosion.

Phil Mason 

By Beth Mole

- More than 2 years ago

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Lights, camera, kaboom! With snapshots from a high-speed camera, chemists can finally explain why sodium and other alkali metals blow up in water.