Combustion chemistry is perhaps one of the most exciting bits of science. This is video shows one example of the awesome nature of chemistry and chemical reactions. In both GCSE and A level chemistry syllabi, this reaction can be used to show 'exothermic' chemicals reactions. i.e ones where heat 'leaves the reactions. 🔥 = Heat 'leaving the system'! This is where chemical bonds are broken.

In this case, it's a special group of chemicals called 'metal hydrides'. These are compounds of either a metal or metalloid bonded to hydrogen. Some of these are very unstable! like our friendly Lithium Aluminium Hydride here. But they are super useful!... we bet you didn't know that they can be used as a type of Fuel cell to store hydrogen!

Further Information :

1. Check this out about batteries of the future using Nickle Hydrides https://bit.ly/3I1pPta
2. For the more advanced user see this link about fuel cells: https://bit.ly/3uON9a7
3. Metal 'Azides' are other types of unstable compounds too... that are used in car crash bags for example see this cool link: https://bit.ly/34YoMMh
4. ...and just for the sake of more cool explosive chemistry: https://bit.ly/3GPRmN4

Explanation

In very simple terms the elements making up this compound, namely Lithium (Li) Aluminium (Al) and Hydrogen (H2) don't reeeeally get along all that well as a compound. So if you give it a little 'prod' by using a heat source, it rapidly decomposes and all the bonds that hold it together break, releasing lots of energy!

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