What causes the explosion in the garbage can with tennis balls?
The exploding water in the garbage can demonstrates what happens when a gas, which is confined by pressure, is released suddenly: it expands very rapidly, blowing out everything in its way. The gas used in this experiment is liquid nitrogen, which was carefully anchored beneath the water. Do not try this at home! Liquid nitrogen should only be handled by experts. Watch the slow-motion video carefully, and observe how the Brute garbage can (the blue seamless one) deforms during the explosion. The multi-colored garbage can does not fare as well.
