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I1-51. Rubber At Ln Temperature

Purpose

To demonstrate how a normally elastic material at room temperature becomes rigid at very low temperatures.

Equipment

Dewar with liquid nitrogen, rubber hose, tongs, glove and hammer.

Suggestions

Handle cold hose with tongs or gloves. Wear goggles for safety.

Setup Time

5 minutes.

Images

I1-51

Description

Dip the rubber hose into liquid nitrogen, then use the hammer to break it up into a zillion pieces.

References

Martin H. Edwards, Cooling by Immersion in Liquid Air, AJP 20, 313-314, (1952). Kathy Malone and Tejwant Datta, Beware the Frozen Squash Ball, TPT 32, 351 (1994).