Physics & Astronomy

Balloon in Liquid Nitrogen

Purpose
To demonstrate the contraction and expansion of a gas as temperature falls and rises
Location
room136, balloons on shelf M4, bucket on shelf I2
Description
Fill the green bucket (or the white Nalgene) about halfway with liquid nitrogen, then blow up a balloon (not too big to fit in the bucket) and immerse it in the liquid nitrogen. If you hold it there long enough the air in it will liquefy! Remove the balloon and watch it inflate to its original size as the air inside warms.