When liquid nitrogen is poured in a container of soapy water,
a large amount of bubbles (and calamity!) are created.
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Teachable Topics:
- surface tension
- evaporation
- bubbles!
Theory:
When the liquid nitrogen is added to warm soapy water, it begins to boil very quickly. With all this gas being created, it forms bubbles in the soapy water. Since it is nitrogen gas being created, it is nitrogen gas that is inside the bubbles.
The only reason that the bubbles are being created in such volume and at such speed is that the nitrogen is boiling at a rapid pace and is taking up more volume. It is a similar effect to taking a straw and blowing into a cup of soapy water.
Apparatus:
- Liquid Nitrogen
- Bucket or Bowl
- Soapy water
- Gloves
- Goggles
Procedure:
- Fill a bucket or bowl with warm water and add soap. A dish detergent works well, and there is no need to be sparing.
- Pour liquid nitrogen into the bucket, it should start foaming right away.
Safety:
- Be very careful when using liquid nitrogen, wear safety goggles and cryogenic gloves. Don't let it touch you or your clothes.
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Be prepared to contain the inevitable mess that will be created.
