The combination of red phosphorus and potassium chlorate produces a violent exothermic reaction which has been used for many years in matches, explosives, cap guns, etc. Potassium chlorate decomposes to yeild oxygen, which then participates in an exothermic redox reaction with the red phosphorus. In this demonstration, powdered potassium chlorate is placed on a small pile of powdered red phosphorus on a ring stand. A weight is suspended over the pile using a string. When the weight is dropped on the pile, a violent explosion occurs. Illustrates thermodynamic reactions, redox, reaction rates, and the general fascination of chemistry! Video and editing by Dr. Chris Schrempp

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