The Backyard Scientist conducted experiments to test the danger of rocks exploding at a campfire and concrete exploding when exposed to molten aluminum. He tested various types of rocks, including wet and dry rocks, and found that wet rocks were more likely to explode. However, the explosions were not powerful enough to cause significant harm.
He then tested different concrete mixes, including one with steel BBs and another with rebar, to see if they would explode when exposed to molten aluminum. The mix with rebar was the most active, and the scientist discovered that the rebar actually helped to distribute the heat evenly, reducing the likelihood of an explosion.
The scientist then created his own "super spalling concrete mix" with a high water content and diatomaceous earth to clog the pores. When he poured molten aluminum into the mix, it exploded, shooting the aluminum 25 feet into the air.
Finally, the scientist tested what would happen if he spilled molten aluminum on his driveway, but no explosion occurred, likely due to the aluminum cooling and solidifying quickly. Throughout the experiments, the scientist emphasized the importance of safety and caution when working with hot materials.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The creator of the video is known as "Backyard Scientist".
2. The creator made a lava volcano in his garage and molten aluminum spilled onto the concrete floor.
3. Concrete can explode when heated due to a phenomenon known as spalling.
4. Spalling can also occur in rocks around a campfire.
5. The creator tested different types of rocks to see if they would explode when heated.
6. The rocks tested included crayon, jade, slate, and two types of river rocks.
7. The creator also tested the effect of water on the rocks, by soaking some of them before heating.
8. The wet rocks were more likely to explode than the dry rocks.
9. The creator made several special mixes of concrete to test their explosive properties.
10. One mix included Orbeez, which expanded and broke apart the concrete.
11. Another mix included rebar, which was expected to expand and cause the concrete to explode.
12. A third mix included stainless steel DVDs, which were also expected to expand and cause the concrete to explode.
13. The creator tested the concrete mixes by pouring molten aluminum onto them.
14. The mix with rebar was the most successful, causing a large explosion.
15. The creator also tested the effect of pouring molten aluminum onto a driveway, but no explosion occurred.
16. The creator concluded that pouring molten aluminum onto a wet surface can cause an explosion.
17. The creator's brother Riley and girlfriend Sandra helped him film and make the video.