About The Project

Overview

Liquid Nitrogen is a very interesting cryogen.
There are many, many pages on the Internet that I have found that feature either too many or too few demonstrations of LN2.
My goal for this page is to assimilate what I think are the most relevant demos to choose from when demonstrating Liquid Nitrogen.
The entries will itemize each application very briefly, perhaps including any lurking details or suggestions.
Lastly, because this is intended to be a summarization, the items listed will be very brief and expect the reader to investigate as needed.

Safety Concerns

You should be familiar with the substance and all relevant safety concerns.
If safety information is needed, search for the Material Safety Data Sheet and read several of them in their entirety.
It is suggested to seriously research many other documents regarding proper handling, storage, and transportation.

Critical Reminders

Evaporating a lot of LN2 may lower the oxygen concentration indoors. (Asphyxiation)
Roll your windows down if transporting any LN2 in your car. (Asphyxiation)
The Leidenfrost effect only goes so far. Avoid any contact. (Frostbite)
Never use any sealable container -- for anything. (Explosions)
Despite a few lists suggesting it: never allow any LN2 into your mouth! (See WPI News Release)

Demonstrations

Shrink a toy balloon by direct contact. Dry ice and liquid oxygen form inside.
---Cut open with scissors and shake out contents for display.
---Try to compare smoker vs non-smoker samples.
---A zip-loc bag works well for a smaller, re-usable visual demo.
Freeze isopropanol near 185 K.
Make a tea kettle whistle from boiling LN2.
Use a flask with rubber stopper; or; a plastic 35mm film can; or; a Pringles can. Tiny amount of LN2 will be able to pop the lid/top off.
---Rubber stoppers can bounce off the ceiling!
Use an empty plastic juice container to feel how much Nitrogen is evolved: destroy and discard the cap for safety, then pour a few teaspoons worth of LN2 into the bottom. Cover the opening with your palm and intermittently allow the gas to escape. This gives students an idea how much expansion really takes place from the phase and temperature changes taking place.
Make an ice 'egg' using a water balloon.
Any tubing acts as a siphon while warm. Use a length to estimate height of LN2 remaining, or to spray LN2 droplets at something.
See solid Nitrogen using a bell jar. I have not yet seen this done.
Freeze and crush normally-flexible flowers in your hand.

Shatter a racquetball. Fragments go flying everywhere.
---Using a hammer is difficult. Throw at ground, cement wall, or a door.
Rubber bands become brittle and interesting.

Swirl a few drops in a glass bowl, flask, or bottle.
Float LN2-saturated tissue paper across the floor or a desktop.
Sweep the floor. Dust collects in LN2 droplets. Chalk dust especially noticeable.
Rapidly boil off by forced contact (lack of Leidenfrost effect). Pour a small bit on carpet for a very unique sound and visual effect.

Playing With Your Food

Marshmallows become "dry" and crunchy.
Graham Crackers can be chewed after LN2 is shaken out of them to have a cold water vapor "steam" come out of your nose and mouth.
---Shake LN2 out of the cracker and warm slightly in your paws first.
Using quite a bit of LN2, you can make ice cream.
The Banana Hammer. Drive some nails.

Make A Mess

Soap (maybe with some water) + LN2. Say no more.
Use a hammer to shatter cooled post-1982 zinc core pennies. Earlier 95% copper pennies should withstand the impact.
Quickly make Pykrete for display.

Things That Didn't Work

Can of shaving cream. Frozen solid. Can peeled away. Made a mess without any significant foam.