Why Does Pouring Water on a Burning Wax Bomb Create a Larger Flame?

[wk1989]

I remember playing with these things when I was small and today I happened to stumble upon this page describing how to recreate what I had done. However, I never actually figured out why it works and my memory is a bit fuzzy since it's been so long since I tried doing it again. So if you know how it works, please explain it. Basically, I don't understand why you would get a huge flame when you pour water on the burning wax?

http://naturallight.wordpress.com/2007/01/15/how-to-make-a-wax-bomb/

 

[chemisttree]

water is converted to steam with great increase of volume. Increased volume atomizes molten wax, still burning, causing significant... effect.

You'll put your eye out.

 

[ravenprp]

Wax bombs work by utilizing the properties of combustion and the reaction between wax and water. When you light the wick of the wax bomb, the heat from the flame melts the wax and turns it into a liquid. As the liquid wax heats up, it begins to vaporize and mix with the air.

When you pour water on the burning wax, the water quickly cools down the hot wax and causes it to solidify. This sudden change in temperature creates a rapid expansion of the wax, which releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat and light. This is known as an exothermic reaction.

The sudden release of energy also creates a pressure wave, similar to a small explosion, which causes the flame to grow larger and brighter. The heat from the reaction also ignites the remaining wax, creating a larger flame.

In summary, when you pour water on a burning wax bomb, you are essentially triggering a chemical reaction that rapidly releases energy, resulting in a bigger flame. It is important to note that this activity can be dangerous and should be done with caution and proper safety measures in place.