News Chemistry Sodium and other alkali explosions finally explained Before a blast, metals bristle as electrons flee CHEMICAL BLOCKBUSTER Film of a fiery reaction explains the surprising trigger for a classic explosion. Phil Mason By Beth Mole January 26, 2015 at 12:06 pm - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Share on X (Opens in new window) X Print (Opens in new window) Print View the video Lights, camera, kaboom! With snapshots from a high-speed camera, chemists can finally explain why sodium and other alkali metals blow up in water. Just before the explosion, spikes burst from the metal’s smooth surface, setting off a chain reaction that ignites the metal.
