Liquid Nitrogen Cloud Demonstration for Large and Small Groups

The liquid nitrogen cloud demonstration is an effective, dramatic, large-scale demonstration to illustrate gas laws and cloud/fog (aerosol) formations for classes and large-scale outreach events. When performed at full scale, it is common to produce a cloud 20–30 feet in height. Its effect can be fu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of chemical education 2021-06, Vol.98 (6), p.2029-2035
Main Author: Mulford, Douglas R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerosols
Chemistry
Cloud computing
College students
Demonstrations (Educational)
Fog
Gas laws
Internet
Laboratory Safety
Liquid nitrogen
Nitrogen
Oil and gas laws
Safety
Science Activities
Science Instruction
Science Laboratories
Scientific Concepts
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Summary:The liquid nitrogen cloud demonstration is an effective, dramatic, large-scale demonstration to illustrate gas laws and cloud/fog (aerosol) formations for classes and large-scale outreach events. When performed at full scale, it is common to produce a cloud 20–30 feet in height. Its effect can be further enhanced by adding brightly colored ping-pong balls. Though there are examples on the internet of this demonstration being performed, there is a need for a detailed description of how to perform the demonstration safely at various sizes and of the science behind the phenomenon. This article includes instructions on how to perform the liquid nitrogen cloud demonstration both indoors and a discussion of important safety features. Novel quantitative and spectral data are presented to explore the background science, and a student guided activity is included for use in the classroom.
ISSN:0021-9584
1938-1328
DOI:10.1021/acs.jchemed.1c00106