Code Number: 4A40.32

Demo Title: Helium Balloon and Liquid Nitrogen

Principle: Gases at Low Temperature

Procedure:

Blow up a balloon using helium and another balloon with air. Immerse them both in liquid nitrogen. Both balloons will contract to a smaller volume, but the helium balloon will float again as it expands whereas the air filled balloon just expands.

References:

Clyde J. Smith, "Archimedes’ Principle Meets Charles’ Law", TPT, Vol. 17, #3, Mar. 1979, p. 187, also A Potpourri of Physics Teaching Ideas - Heat and Fluids.

Video Credit: Jonathan M. Sullivan-Wood.

4A40.32 - Helium Balloon and regular Balloon in Liquid Nitrogen

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Instructional Resources and Lecture Demonstrations

4A40.32 - Helium Balloon and Liquid Nitrogen

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