Have you ever wanted to experiment with liquid nitrogen? We have good news and bad news: the bad news is that liquid nitrogen cannot be created from objects commonly found in the home. The good thing is that you can create cryogenic alcohol, specifically isopropyl alcohol, which is very similar to liquid nitrogen, especially in its ability to reach very low temperatures. Alcohol can reach -78 ° C, while liquid nitrogen reaches -195 °. If you want to experiment at very low temperatures, that's fine too.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Chill the alcohol
Step 1. Wear suitable clothing
Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and thick work gloves. You should also wear protective eyewear and tie your hair. It may seem excessive, but alcohol at cryogenic temperatures is highly flammable and can cause skin irritation and dizziness.
The work area must be free from food and drink, well ventilated and away from hot surfaces or open flames
Step 2. Gather what you need
You will need a 2-liter container, a smaller plastic bottle to fit into the larger one, scissors, 99% isopropyl alcohol, and dry ice.
Both containers should be empty, clean and dry. By removing the labels you can observe the reaction
Step 3. Prepare the containers
Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut both bottles 7.5 cm from the top. Discard the cut parts in the appropriate container.
Make sure the smaller bottle fits easily inside the larger container
Step 4. Put the two containers together
First of all you will need to drill holes in the bottom and sides of the smaller bottle with scissors. Then put it in the larger container.
Step 5. Add the dry ice pieces
Distribute them evenly within the larger container, holding the bottle in the center.
- If you bought dry ice in one piece, you can break it up with a knife, being careful. The pieces should be about 1 cm in size.
- Always wear gloves when handling dry ice, as it can cause cold burns.
Step 6. Pour the alcohol directly onto dry ice
Let it penetrate for about 5 cm. The ice will begin to smoke, making it difficult to see through the container.
- If the alcohol you use has a lower degree of purity, it will freeze into a thick jelly.
- Do not touch the finished product as it tends to stick to your hands.
Step 7. Wait for the liquid to stop boiling
Once the dry ice has stopped producing smoke, you should be able to see several inches of cryogenic alcohol in the smaller bottle. Now you can use it for your experiments.
The liquid is now at an extremely low temperature. Be very careful when handling it
Step 8. Pour the liquid into a sturdy container and label it appropriately
It can be kept at room temperature for up to 30 days, after which you will have to dispose of it in compliance with local regulations.
Do not inhale, do not touch with bare hands and do not drink. If it comes into contact with your eyes or skin, repeatedly rinse with water. If inhaled, get out into the fresh air and breathe. Call the poison control center if you feel unwell
Part 2 of 2: Using alcohol in experiments
Step 1. Try freezing objects
This is a simple experiment. Use tongs to dip objects into the alcohol until they solidify. Then you can remove and break them if you want.
You can experiment with flowers, leaves, fruits, vegetables, and rubber balls. Do not ingest the items and remember to wear gloves when handling them
Step 2. Freeze a balloon to create "liquid air"
Use a balloon sized to fit the bottle. Put it in the liquid. It will begin to crack, and you should see some liquid inside.
To return the air inside the balloon to its gaseous state, return it to room temperature and wait for the air particles to expand
Step 3. Smash a ball
Model some clay into a spherical shape and dip it into the liquid. Drop it on the floor or other hard surface and watch it break.
Step 4. Search for other experiments
Look at the experiments available with liquid nitrogen and see if they can also be applied to alcohol. Liquid nitrogen creates a gas, alcohol does not. Choose experiments where nitrogen is used only for its temperature.
Never ingest objects used in experiments
Warnings
- Keep cryogenic alcohol out of the reach of children. It should be stored away from open flames or heat sources. Dispose of in compliance with regulations.
- Alcohol is a good substitute for nitrogen in most cases, but experiments sometimes involve gas produced from nitrogen, which is impossible to obtain with alcohol.
