what happens when you set off a flash blub in a cloud of gas? ( My professor asked me this earlier than the answer is surprising, think about it)

Question

anonymous · Answer

Idk

anonymous · Answer

it will explode!!??
 :D

matthewrlee · Answer

What is the gas? What type of flashbulb? Is the flash bulb enclosed or exposed to the cloud?

anonymous · Answer

@Matthew, The gas is a neutral HII region, and the type of flashbulb is not important (all will have the same result) if you consider that the flashbulb is enclosed by the gas.

anonymous · Answer

the gas will heat up, expand, and possibly glow?

anonymous · Answer

Light echoes.  One of the consequences is the apparent super-luminal expansion of the gas around the flash bulb.  It also produces some beautiful astronomical images see attached image.