Code Number: 4C30.30

Demo Title: Helium, CO2, and Argon Balloons in Liquid N2

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Phase Changes

Area of Study: Thermodynamics

Procedure:

Fill balloons with the desired gas. Place into the container of liquid nitrogen until they have collaped to a smaller volume. Bring them out of the container and allow them to re-expand. Note that there will be some liquid in the cooled balloons depending on the gas. A cage over the helium balloon will keep it from escaping.

References:

John Hendricks, Denny Lee, Mac Rugheimer, "Liquid Nitrogen Demonstration, AJP, Vol. 39, #7, July 1971, p. 844.

4C30.30 - Argon Balloon

4C30.30 - CO2 Balloon

4C30.30 - Helium Balloon

Disclaimer

These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist. The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose. The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources. Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks. These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage. Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.

Instructional Resources and Lecture Demonstrations

4C30.30 - Helium, CO2, and Argon Balloons in Liquid N2

Disclaimer