ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Colt Acetylene Flash Lantern

A colt acetylene flash lantern is a special kind of lantern that runs on a gas called acetylene. This gas is made from combining carbon and hydrogen. When the lantern is turned on, a tiny amount of water is added to the gas, which creates a chemical reaction that makes the gas burn brightly, like a flame.

The lantern is used by people who need a bright light in places where there is no electricity or in situations where other types of light sources are not available or practical. For example, people who go camping or exploring in dark, remote places might use a colt acetylene flash lantern to light their way.

The lantern is made up of three main parts: the burner, the reflector, and the tank. The burner is where the gas is burned to produce light, the reflector is a curved surface that reflects the light in one direction to make it brighter and more focused, and the tank holds the gas and water that are needed to keep the lantern burning.

To use the lantern, the tank is filled with water and a special type of rock called calcium carbide. The rock reacts with the water to create the acetylene gas that will fuel the lantern. Then, the lantern is turned on and the gas flows through the burner, where it is ignited by a spark to create a bright, white light.

The colt acetylene flash lantern is a reliable and long-lasting light source that can be used in a variety of situations. It is a valuable tool for people who need to see in the dark or in places where there is no electricity.