MC funny!

I'm pretty sure gas can't explode. Unless it's under pressure or something, but then it's just the expanding air, and not the gasoline per se. If it's just sitting there on a toilet it's not going to explode and certainly not to the degree stated in the article, at least.



In fact, now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure they did it on mythbusters... Ah, yes, here it is.

So, it's a pretty funny story (well, I laughed anyway), but just a story.

Yuppers. It's the VAPORS that explode, not the liquid. It's not like they were using liquid hydrogen or anything like that (and there would have been REAL obvious indicators of that, including a certain body part literally freezing OFF ).

Sounds like someone was wishing it would happen 'cause she lost an argument with her hubby.

cecilbdml said:

Yuppers. It's the VAPORS that explode, not the liquid.

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I don't think that's right, either. It's just that vapors spread, so when they ignite, they ignite in a fairly large area. But I'm pretty sure that gas just doesn't "explode".

The flashpoint of gasoline vapors is much lower than the actual liquid. A full tank of gas in a car is less likely to explode than an almost empty one. It's also why you don't store gasoline containers near an open flame, even though the liquid is contained, the vapors can run along the floor and ignite.

By explode, I mean burn fast enough to create a pressure wave. Like gunpowder or C4, gas vapors CAN do that.

Liquid gasoline CANNOT.

It is jst a funny story!

GUYS! It is just a funny story! Didn't mean to start a physics lesson.

Share a laugh and get on with your day.

Ride safe & long,
Colorado Fats

Well Im sure if flames erupted in my toilet and I had no idea why I would jump through the bathroom door, I'm sure the gas didnt explode and throw him through the door so its still plausible but forreal its a story no a science lesson.


I laughed bc I could only imagine being those paramedics.

Actually ... gas will not ignite from a glow, i.e. a cigerette. It takes a flame or a spark.

That is why diesel engines won't run on gasoline.

COFats said:

GUYS! It is just a funny story! Didn't mean to start a physics lesson.

Share a laugh and get on with your day.

Ride safe & long,
Colorado Fats

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I think the physics discussion is even funnier than the original story.

Anything for you who are not so easy to amuse...

cecilbdml said:

Anything for you who are not so easy to amuse...

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I'm ready for my closeup!

Uesque said:

I'm ready for my closeup!

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My Equity agent! WHERE'S MY EQUITY AGENT?

HellFireX12 said:

Well Im sure if flames erupted in my toilet and I had no idea why I would jump through the bathroom door, I'm sure the gas didnt explode and throw him through the door so its still plausible but forreal its a story no a science lesson.


I laughed bc I could only imagine being those paramedics.

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I'd like to see the guys here who wouldn't go jumping off the pot if it started on fire below them. I know I'd be jumping my naked arse out the door!!! He probably jumped out of his pants, not got them blown off, yes an embelished story for sure, but if you don't read too much into it, it is quite plausable. You just can't take it word for word. Ever seen a cigarette spark? I have. Use your imagination people!

Flyer, are you telling us that cigarettes don't have a spark???? If so, how do they burn?

Cigarette cherries do not burn hot enough to flash over the fuel vapors. Only an open flame can do that. Often, it's more about the corona of the flame (the blue inner flame) than the orange candle glow.

If I remember, gasoline's flash point is around 600F. Cig cherries are around 350-400F.

edger, it isn't so much the gasoline burning as it is the fuel/air mixture. If the fuel/air mixture is right, you won't have to worry about jumping off the stool - it will blow you off! Years ago, I read in my boating book that a man had a leak in his fuel line. His captain's chair sat on top of the motor cover, and he had a canvas top over his bridge. When the fumes ignited in the bilge, it blew the engine cover up with such force that it blew him, chair and all, up through the canvas top, and all he got was a few bruises.

I think it was very funny but then I'm drinking again too. It does go to show you how some people are not all there.
I have riders next door that spend more time shining and polishing than riding their two Harleys. I see them out there and go over to say hi. She is out there putting a spray on black finish on her tires and he has just spilled fluid from trying to adjust his shocks onto his rear brakes. They don't see the issues. I tell her that her tires will be too slippery to ride safely and I help him get his brakes back. They had no idea what they were doing. How many more are trying to learn to take care of their bikes for the first time and doing the same?