Dangerous Marshmallows?!

TL;DR

Marshmallows have the potential to release more energy than TNT, but the rate of energy release is much slower due to differences in chemical reactions.

Transcript

Hi, this is Kate from MinuteEarth. This is  2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, better known as TNT.   This itty-bitty-bit of TNT - seven grams’  worth - contains enough chemical energy that,   when detonated, it could lift a bowling  ball about six hundred meters into the air.   And this is seven grams of sugary  deliciousness, better known as a marshmallow.  ... Read More

Key Insights

• ❣️ TNT contains a significant amount of chemical energy, capable of lifting heavy objects when detonated.
• ☠️ Marshmallows can potentially release more energy than TNT, but the rate of energy release is slower due to gradual burning.
• 👻 The release of energy over a longer time period allows it to dissipate into the environment without causing destructive effects.
• 🛝 Sugar, the main component of marshmallows, can release energy quickly if ground finely and provided sufficient energy.
• 🥵 Quick energy release beyond the absorption capacity of the environment leads to destructive pressure and heat waves.
• 📑 Tab for a Cause harnesses energy usage for charitable donations, benefiting various organizations.
• 🤨 The program has reached a milestone of raising over a million dollars for charity.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why can a marshmallow potentially release more energy than TNT?

Despite the potential energy of a marshmallow being higher than TNT, the rate of energy release is significantly slower due to the marshmallow's gradual burning process. TNT releases all its energy in a fraction of a second, while a marshmallow takes about a minute to burn completely.

Q: Can sugar release energy as quickly as TNT under certain conditions?

Yes, sugar ground to a fine powder with a larger surface area and provided with enough energy can release its energy all at once, similar to TNT. Sugar dust explosions, like the one in 2008 in a Georgia sugar refinery, demonstrate the potential quick energy release of sugar.

Q: Why is releasing energy quickly destructive?

Releasing energy quickly leads to destructive waves of pressure and heat when it exceeds the absorption capacity of the environment. Similar to how excess water becomes a flash flood, excess energy becomes destructive waves instead of dissipating gradually.

Q: How can energy be used for doing good?

Energy can be harnessed for positive purposes, such as the Tab for a Cause browser extension. By simply opening a new browser tab, the extension donates money to charities like Conservation International and water.org. The program has raised over a million dollars for such organizations.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• TNT contains enough energy to lift a bowling ball 600 meters when detonated, while an equal mass of marshmallow can lift it nearly 2000 meters.

• The difference lies in the rate of energy release. TNT releases energy in a few millionths of a second, while a marshmallow takes about a minute to burn and release all its energy.

• Sugar, the main component of a marshmallow, requires oxygen to burn and release energy. The reaction happens gradually, only on the surface of the marshmallow initially, before spreading throughout.