Bang!
written by George on November 26, 2007

This works with any water-based liqud, not just coke.

The wax has to be very hot or burning already before the liquid is added. Wax catches fire at over 200 degrees centigrade. When liquid water (or coke) is added, it sinks to the bottom of the wax and boils instantly. When water boils, it expands nearly 1800 times in volume; in this case, the expanding water throws up a fine mist of wax which burns fiercely -producing the fireball effect shown in the video.

This is the same reaction that occurs if water is used in an attempt to extinguish a grease fire.