Burning water

[Spurius]

OK, theorize ahead:

Needed, 2 AA batteries and a glass of water, one match. But it's not simple electrolysis...

[Lunar4]

I dont think the water is actually burning. It's something from the batteries.

[Spurius]

Good thinking. If you watch the video closely, you'll see that when he takes out the batteries the water looks different, more 'swirly' as if you put in sugar or syrup.

[LSJ]

I know what it is not - it isn't hydrogen or oxygen from electrolysis like so many in the comments claim, and I doubt its anything from the batteries. They were Energizer AA alkalines, which contain sulfuric acid, manganese oxide, and zinc, and is placed in water. I know of no possible reactions between any of those chemicals that would cause a flammable vapour.

I'm guessing its a liquid-at-room-temperature hydrocarbon, most likely an alcohol.

... unless some genius knows of a reaction between an alkaline battery and water that makes it flammable.

[Spurius]

But sulphuric acid would take the H's and O's from any starch, like sugar. Those would burn, I guess.

I think the little stinkers added sugar or something.

[LSJ]

I just hope it isn't that water-alcohol density thing or a switching trick... Because those are lame.

[Serious Spamurai]

Probably some cheap trick, would have been better if he used that radiowaves thing in the thread on the page 2.

[Ramashan]

Has anyone tried this for themselves?

With proper adult supervision of course.

[Simetrical]

These things are dead easy to fake. Just swap in some rubbing alcohol or something.

[LSJ]

That's what I think it is. Its just a lame switching trick, because there is no reaction with batteries in water that makes flammable vapour.