Mesmerizing High Definition Footage of Five Chemical Elements Burning

Let’s be honest, the best part of High School Chemistry was definitely setting stuff on fire, which is probably why we enjoyed the latest “Beauty of Science” video so much. Following up on his stunning Crystalization timelapse, Yan Liang decided to capture combustion next.

In this mesmerizing macro video, he sets fire to carbon, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sulfur in turn, showing you how each of these elements combusts. From the frothy, bubbly combustion of elemental sodium to the impossibly bright flame of a magnesium ribbon burning, this footage serves as both chemistry lesson and feast for the eyes.