Catalytic combustion is a very simple and spectacular experiment

Today I will show you how to make a home nuclear reactor. I hope your sense of humor is okay, then let's get started. To build a mini reactor you will need a glass jar.

Copper wire with a diameter of about 1 mm. First remove the varnish insulation from the surface of the wire.

Simple acetone will be used as thermonuclear fuel.

We make a spiral of wire by winding it around a round object of the required diameter.

We will make a ring like this from the lid, cutting out the center. Let's make holes and hang the wire. Of course, the wire can be immediately hung on a jar without a lid.

The spiral of copper wire should hang freely in the jar and not touch its edges. There should be a distance of approximately 1 cm from the bottom of the jar to the spiral.

Let's start our reactor

Pour acetone into the bottom of the jar. About half a centimeter. We close the jar with another lid so that the acetone vapor does not evaporate.

We heat the spiral with a gas burner.

It is necessary to heat until red hot, otherwise the reaction will not start.

And then quickly, but without haste, drop the spiral into a jar of acetone.

The reaction has begun. It looks simply amazingly impressive.

Very beautiful in complete darkness.

The catalytic reaction of copper oxidation in acetone vapor has begun. The reaction occurs with the release of heat. The combustion takes place stably for quite a long time.

Precautionary measures

Conduct the experiment in a well-ventilated area.
When working with a torch and acetone, be sure not to accidentally set one on fire from the other.
Be very careful and careful.