The discussion centers on the claim of lighting water on fire, which is deemed implausible by participants. They assert that the individual likely used white gas or lighter fluid instead of water. Additionally, the introduction of pan searing flour is suggested as a possible ignition source, although it is ultimately dismissed. A participant recounts a personal experience in New Mexico where water containing natural gas vapors was ignited, demonstrating that while water itself cannot burn, certain conditions can create a flammable vapor.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for chemists, educators, videographers, and anyone interested in the science of combustion and the properties of flammable materials.
Ivan Seeking said:He probably replaced the water with white gas, like that used in the old camping lanterns and stoves, or more likely, lighter fluid for a BBQ.
The claim is nonsense.
I saw that the thread was closed, so I figured I'd send this to you.
Regardless of what the video shows (can't see videos on this computer), I will say that it *is* possible, in some sense, to light water on fire.
When I was hiking in New Mexico there was a place where there was enough natural gas in the area (or so I was told) that water in a canteen could be shaken and lit. I can't say it was because of natural gas (though that sounds reasonable), but my fellow hikers and I were able to test this directly. We were able to light the water (actually vapors formerly dissolved in the water) and watch it burn for about 3-6 seconds with a dull blue flame. Not only did I witness our group doing this several times (new water each time; once lit it wouldn't light again) but we were able to videotape it one of the times.
I just thought this was relevant enough to mention...