can I thaw ice fast by coating the surface with gasoline and setting it on fire?

Question

can I thaw ice fast by coating the surface with gasoline and setting it on fire?

Answer 1

Sounds rather dangerous, are you sure that using rock salt won't work?

Answer 2

I suppose you could, since ice thaws by the amount of heat around it, as well as the surface area the heat is exposed to.

Of course, be careful with the gasoline and fire.

Answer 3

hehe -- no.
The gasoline that remains liquid on the surface of the ice will act as insulation between the ice and the heat of the combustion of the gasoline vapors away from the ice surface, and very little melting will occur. Thin films of liquid are very effective insulators -- you can easily prove this yourself by filling a ceramic cup with hot coffee right to the brim...put your lips to it, and you can burn your lips. *Lick* the edge of the cup, putting a thin layer of saliva on it, before putting your lips to the cup and you can do so without any discomfort.

Answer 4

Doubt it. Gasoline is very volatile, and the heat will go straight up. it will probably leave the ice behind, but take your eyebrows.

Answer 5

Please use salt (or the potassium chloride version) to melt your ice!

If you like playing with fire--use a propane torch--the kind used to seal roof seams. Lots of fun! (Don't melt your tires!)

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Answer 6

Coating it with salt will work better.

Answer 7

Try it on your front porch and let us know how it turns out.

Answer 8

try this in your kitchen, next to your gas stove - i'm curious to know what happens.

Answer 9

try it and let us know

Answer 10

sure