Combining Hydrogen and Oxygen?

Most recent answer: 05/24/2010

Q:
I have an invention that requires the combination of hydrogen and oxygen. I need a way to combine them safely, in a controlled environment and be able to produce water in large amounts. Is there any way I can do this?
- Raegan (age 13)
Washington, USA
A:
Hi Raegan,

This is one of those topics you might see on TV that comes with a warning:
        "DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!"  
It is true that if you combine oxygen with hydrogen you can obtain water as a by-product but it's very difficult to do it in a controlled manner.  The two gasses tend to combine explosively. 

Why don't you study to become a chemical engineer or something similar, and then look back at your adventurous youth as a future experimenter.    For myself, looking back, I don't know how I survived childhood  without losing an extremity or two. 

LeeH


(published on 05/24/2010)