Alex on Instagram: "Did you know magnesium reacts explosively with water? 💥 In 2016, firefighters faced a massive challenge during a fire at a magnesium factory in Maywood, California. When water was used to extinguish the flames, it caused powerful explosions due to magnesium’s unique reaction with water. Here’s the science: burning magnesium reacts with water to produce hydrogen gas, which ignites instantly. This highlights why it’s crucial to use specialized techniques and materials t

How Things Work on Instagram: "A magnesium fire reacts violently with water because the metal is hot enough to split water molecules apart. When burning magnesium reaches around 3,000°C, it strips oxygen from water and leaves hydrogen gas behind. That hydrogen ignites instantly in the heat of the fire, creating a burst of flame and even hotter combustion. Instead of cooling the fire, water becomes fuel, making the reaction flare brighter and more explosive. This is why magnesium fires are never