Have you ever wondered what happens when you mix liquid nitrogen and 1500 ping pong balls together with a plastic dustbin?
If the answer has been always on your mind, you will be pleased to know that Professor Roy Lowry of Plymouth University has now carried out the experiment and recorded a video for all to see. Check out the results after the jump, but stand well back.
The Science Behind Liquid Nitrogen
Liquid nitrogen is a fascinating substance, primarily because of its extremely low boiling point of -196°C (-321°F). This makes it a powerful tool for a variety of scientific and industrial applications. When liquid nitrogen is exposed to room temperature, it rapidly converts from a liquid to a gas, expanding nearly 700 times in volume. This rapid expansion can create impressive and sometimes explosive results, as demonstrated in Professor Lowry’s experiment.
Liquid nitrogen is also used to super cool computer processors for overclocking records as well and many other cooling situations that require super quick and super low temperatures. Overclocking involves running a computer processor at speeds higher than its factory settings, which generates a lot of heat. Liquid nitrogen can cool the processor down to prevent overheating, allowing for higher performance without damaging the hardware.
The Experiment: Ping Pong Balls and Liquid Nitrogen
In Professor Lowry’s experiment, the liquid nitrogen is poured into a plastic dustbin filled with 1500 ping pong balls. As the liquid nitrogen rapidly evaporates and turns into gas, it creates a massive amount of pressure inside the dustbin. This pressure builds up until it forces the ping pong balls to shoot out in all directions, creating a spectacular visual effect.
The video below shows what happens when the liquid nitrogen returns to its gaseous state, which releases a tremendous amount of energy. Enjoy!
Source: Gizmodo
This experiment is not just a fun demonstration but also an excellent educational tool. It visually illustrates the principles of gas expansion and pressure, making it easier for students and enthusiasts to understand these concepts. Moreover, it highlights the importance of safety when handling substances like liquid nitrogen, as the rapid expansion can be dangerous if not properly controlled.
In addition to educational purposes, similar principles are applied in various industries. For example, liquid nitrogen is used in cryogenics to preserve biological samples, in food processing to flash-freeze products, and even in the medical field for procedures like cryosurgery.
The combination of liquid nitrogen and 1500 ping pong balls in a plastic dustbin creates a visually stunning and scientifically rich experiment. It serves as a reminder of the incredible power of natural forces and the importance of understanding and respecting them. Whether you’re a science enthusiast or just curious, this experiment offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of physics and chemistry.
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