How to Make a Gunshot Sound

Sound effects are necessary for making films and often what we think we are hearing was created from something else entirely. For example, you do not need a gun to make a gunshot sound. Hydrogen gas has a distinct pop sound when it burns; a small explosion is what is actually happening and the sound is reminiscent of a gunshot. You can make this sound with an experiment referred to as the burning splint test.

Things You'll Need

• Galvanized nail
• Glass jar with lid
• Hydrochloric acid
• Wood splint
• Lighter or candle
• Pipette

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Put a galvanized nail inside of a glass jar.

   • 2

     Fill a pipette or dropper with hydrochloric acid.

   • 3

     Pinch the top of the pipette and let the acid drip onto the nail. Quickly place the lid on the jar but leave it loose.

   • 4

     Wait 20 seconds and light the end of a splint.

   • 5

     Remove the jar lid and very quickly place the lit end of the splint into the jar.