How to Make an Exploding Pumpkin Face (Blast-O-Lantern)

Exploding Pumpkin Faces! You could try making them this Halloween, but probably shouldn't.

Happy Halloween!

Step 1: Watch the Video!

This project was inspired by: SteveSpanglerScience (Exploding Pumpkins - Cool Halloween Science)

WARNING: This project is for demonstrational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be duplicated. CaC2 mixed with water produces acetylene gas which, when mixed with oxygen, creates an extremely flammable gas. Use of video content is at own risk.

Step 2: Forming the Gas

A very flammable gas (acetylene) is produced inside a pre-carved pumpkin shell by mixing CaC2 and water.  When the gas is ignited, the pressure inside builds rapidly, forcing the carved pieces to blast out dramatically.

Step 3: Ignition

I chose to ignite the gas with a pice of visco fuse.

I found it actually ignites most consistently with a hole just small enough to poke the fuse through, and works better at the back of the pumpkin. I only placed it at the top here so it would be visible.

In reality, placing the fuse near the opening at the top leads to pre-mature ignition more often than not, and isn't recommended.

Step 4: Exploding Pumpkin Faces

Step 5:

Happy Halloween!

For other project videos, check out www.thekingofrandom.com

Comments

[jenileej]

What do you do with the CaC2 and water after the experiment? How can we get rid of it?

[UnIpLaTiPuS]

My teacher just did that in class it is soooo cool

[StephenS225]

Youtuber @StephenSharer made a pumpkin explode but like REALLY really EXPLODE!!! (not sure how it worked but its so cool)

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/Z-B-73MOcYo

[Animonaut]

What you really need to do is rig up some kind of remote light to set off a spark to detonate the pumpkin. then you can suprise friends and maybe even trick-or-treaters.

[pete.hohensee]

surprise

[Jake_Makes]

would it work with hairspray?

[ydanay]

I couldn't help but think of TF2...

[Zen Innovations]

Class one!
You have my vote.

[doodlecraft]

Awesome, as usual! :)

[The King of Random]

Thank you so much Natalie!!

[HawkLerwick]

Where do you get the CaC2?

[ThePuzzler]

I love the 2nd pic under step 4!hahaha!

[Turbocharged Chameleon]

My chemistry teacher did this the other day and it was awesome

[instructable person 9]

tom: So, this house has a cool pumpkin!
bob:Ok lets see if that house has any good candy.
tom:Wait u...KABOOM...P!
bob:Ahhhhh!

Ha,Ha great instructable