Home › Thermo › 4E10.20-Balloon in LN2

4E10.20-Balloon in LN2

4e1020balloon_in_ln2_34e1020balloon_in_ln2 4e1020balloon_in_ln2_2

Video: Watch this demo

Instructor’s video

Description: This demonstration shows what happens when an air filled balloon is placed in LN2.
When the balloon cools down, the pressure decreases and is compressed by atmospheric pressure.

Equipment:

  • LN2
  • Large glass container
  • Balloon
  • Protective gear and metal tongs
  • Insulating pad

Setup Procedure:

  1. Place the glass container on top of the insulating pad.
  2. Blow up two balloons.

Demonstration Procedure:

  1. Pour the LN2 into the glass container.
  2. Show students the blown up balloon.
  3. Using the protective gear, place the balloon into the LN2 and let it compress.
  4. You may have to push it down to get it to become very compact.
  5. The balloon is compressed because the air inside is being cooled, thus the pressure decreases.
  6. You can even show that there is some liquid oxygen inside the balloon.
  7. When you take the balloon out of the LN2, it will start to expand again.
  8. As it’s expanding, the balloon may pop.

Liquid Nitrogen Liquid Nitrogen
Use caution when working with liquid nitrogen, as it is very cold.