Quantumaniac

Setting Water on Fire

John Kanzius, from Erie, Pennsylvania, has apparently made one of the greatest discoveries in chemistry of the past century. Although it could be a hoax, Kanzius apparently blasted a test tube of salt water with high frequency radio waves, which resulted in the water burning! Although the technique (and results) have not been fully peer-reviewed or tested, the prospects of this discovery are enormous and fascinating. 

Rustum Roy elaborated on the phenomenon -  the water itself doesn’t burn, he speculates that the energy from the radio waves breaks the bonds between the molecules, releasing flammable hydrogen. 

Kanzius believes that his technique could be used for enormous energy production - by burning water to produce energy he claims to have created an engine that runs off of the energy and heat produced by the flame. However, it is unlikely that the energy produced could compensate for the necessary radio wave energy. Additionally, the discovery could be applied for the safe production of hydrogen. Producing hydrogen from water would be an incredibly useful application, and much safer than current means. 

Plus, it’s awesome - look at that picture!