UCSB Science Line
Sponge Spicules Nerve Cells Galaxy Abalone Shell Nickel Succinate X-ray Lens Lupine
UCSB Science Line
Home
How it Works
Ask a Question
Search Topics
Webcasts
Our Scientists
Science Links
Contact Information
In real life force fields, is it possible to create a small pocket dimension where we can set temperature {low}, pressure{high}, so that H2O can be formed from H2 and O2 gases, within few minutes or reaction?
Question Date: 2013-02-08
Answer 1:

I'm not sure about pocket dimensions, but if you want to form water really quickly from H2 and O2, just light a match. Certainly, rockets are propelled by mixing liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, but they are ignited beforehand. I am unsure what would happen if you mixed liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen (and low temperatures) without first providing enough energy to start a chain reaction (that is, lighting them on fire).


Answer 2:

So far as we know, real life force fields and pocket dimensions do not exist.

H2 and O2 form water very quickly and easily when combined in gaseous form - so much energy is released in fact that the combination is explosive. The explosion and fire that destroyed the Hindenberg was fueled by hydrogen in the blimp catching fire and burning, using the oxygen in the air.

You would not be able to keep temperature low while burning hydrogen with oxygen. The reaction puts out so much energy that it is, simply put, a fire. Fires are hot; it's their nature.



Click Here to return to the search form.

University of California, Santa Barbara Materials Research Laboratory National Science Foundation
This program is co-sponsored by the National Science Foundation and UCSB School-University Partnerships
Copyright © 2020 The Regents of the University of California,
All Rights Reserved.
UCSB Terms of Use