4B70.27 - Adiabatic Cooling - Fire Extinguisher

Code Number:
4B70.27
Demo Title:
Adiabatic Cooling - Fire Extinguisher
Condition:
Excellent
Principle:
Adiabatic Cooling
Area of Study:
Heat & Fluids
Equipment:
Thermometer with Bead Thermocouple and Fire Extinguisher.
Procedure:

Video Credit: Jonathan M. Sullivan-Wood.

Place the bead thermocouple into the small hole drilled for it in the collar of the fire extinguisher.  Secure this in place with a couple of zip ties.  Observe the temperature as you discharge the fire extinguisher.  The temperature should fall well below 0 degrees C.

References:
  • Paul Hewitt, "Figuring Physics", TPT, Vol. 62, #6, Sept. 2024, p. 541.
  • Paul Hewitt, "Figuring Physics", TPT, Vol. 62, #5, May 2024, p. 325.
  • Jacques-Olivier Goussard and Bernard Roulet, "Free Expansion for Real Gases", AJP, Vol. 61, #9, Sep. 1993, p. 845.
  • Julius Sumner Miller, Q81 & A81, Millergrams I – Some Enchanting Questions for Enquiring Minds, p. 52 & 104.


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.