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Mythbusters - Exploding Port-a-Potty
This segment of Mythbusters takes on a pretty silly myth -- the idea that the decomposition of human waste in a port-a-potty could generate enough combustible gas (e.g. methane) to cause a potential explosion. While the myth is busted, there are a lot of opportunities to talk about enthalpy and activation energy within a combustion reaction.
Episode: Season 3, episode 14 " Exploding Port-a-Potty"
Essential concepts: Heat, energy, enthalpy, exothermic reaction, combustion, activation energy, potential energy.
Answer key: Included in the chemistry instructor resources subscription. Click here for details.
