Party Poppers contain primary explosives! | Chemistry | Fran Scott | Head STEAM

We've all seen a party popper, but Fran Scott wants to find out how they go bang. So she's taking one apart. Seriously, guys, do not try this one at home.

01:39 When you get to the bottom of a party popper, you find the heart -- the explosive charge. The explosive is actually a silver fulminate, potassium chlorate mix -- sort of like a gunpowder paste.

http://www.pyrouniverse.com/consumer/...

02:25 Believe it or not, it's actually friction with the paper wrap that ignites the primary explosive.

Friction is used in all sorts of engineering including breaking systems in F1 cars and bicycles.

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