How a Big Mac survives being doused in molten copper

A viral video shows the liquid metal bouncing off the bun. Photo / YouTube, Tito4re

An experiment where a McDonald's Big Mac survived unscathed after being doused in molten copper has caused outrage on social media, but some say the burger's survival is about simple science.

In the viral video Youtuber Tito pours copper at 1,085C over the burger only to have the liquid metal bounce off the bun and patty.

While critics believe the experiment is further proof that the restaurant's food is unhealthy, others say it's the moisture in the burger causing the reaction.

Known as the Leidenfrost Effect the hot metal turns moisture in the burger into steam creating a protective layer allowing the copper to pour over it, similar to when water glides across a hot fry pan.

In February another home experiment seemingly showed a pack of McDonald's chicken nuggets kept for over six years without rotting.