Liquid Nitrogen - He, Ar, and Air

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