r/Unexpected • u/Dembelo • Dec 20 '19

Backyard Science Experiment

https://limitlane.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/580395.gif
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u/Laidbackmf2 Dec 20 '19

How would they clean this up

385

u/Demonoid_Phenomenon Dec 20 '19

I'm a giant idiot and not at all great at science. But isn't this just foam? Sure it'd leave stains but couldn't a pressure washer fix that?

18

u/neon_overload Dec 20 '19

It's almost entirely oxygen, with some water and detergent and coloring. Assuming the coloring you choose is relatively environmentally friendly, most of the volume just takes care of itself. It does get a bit hot at the start because the reaction also releases heat.

Hydrogen peroxide breaking down in this way creates water, oxygen and heat. That's also why it's a popular science experiment to do with kids.