I first learned about the concept of magic smoke (and the importance of safety glasses) when I hooked up a 2n2222 backwards across 9vdc on one of those RS 40 in 1 sets. It popped and a piece narrowly missed my eye, striking my cheek and leaving a red mark. Also, a nice puff of magic smoke wafted above the carnage. I was maybe 13 at the time and I became hooked on electronics with that kit.
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