Fun with Liquid Nitrogen

In preparation for our "Got Science?" science demonstration this Thursday, we spent part of last week experimenting with liquid nitrogen. One of the most impressive experiments is to confine liquid nitrogen in a bottle. Because liquid N2 boils at -321 F, it generates a massive amount of steam (and pressure). Eventually, the bottle bursts in a powerful explosion. When confined and arranged under 1000 ping pong balls, the result is pretty neat! We also succeeded in creating water bottle rockets, deflating balloons in liquid nitrogen and getting liquid air, and other interesting projects. Thanks to Kyle Litwack for this video.