Super Freezing Things with Liquid Nitrogen: Breaking the Laws of Physics in Slow Motion

Summary

In this article, we explore the fascinating world of liquid nitrogen and its ability to super freeze objects, making them extremely brittle and prone to shattering upon impact. We investigate the effects of super freezing on locks, baseballs, silicone dildos, human skin, and delicate items like peacock feathers and roses. We explain the science behind why super freezing makes objects more brittle and the Leidenfrost effect that protects human skin from freezing. Join us as we break the laws of physics and smash things in super slow motion.

What is Liquid Nitrogen and How Does it Work?
Why do Frozen Objects Become More Brittle?
The Effect of Super Freezing on Inorganic Objects
Can Liquid Nitrogen Freeze Human Flesh?
The Leidenfrost Effect: How Does it Protect Skin from Freezing?
Breaking Baseballs: Tough Molecules and Insulation
Experimenting with Delicate Objects: Peacock Feathers and Roses
The Birth of the Idea: The Frozen Watermelon Experiment
What Have We Learned?

What is Liquid Nitrogen and How Does it Work?

Liquid nitrogen is a substance that is created by cooling nitrogen gas to a temperature of negative 320 degrees Fahrenheit. While nitrogen gas makes up 78% of the air we breathe, when it is cooled to this temperature, it becomes a liquid with a range of interesting properties. The molecules in the liquid nitrogen become tightly packed, making it extremely cold and able to cause objects to freeze and become brittle.

Why do Frozen Objects Become More Brittle?

When an object is super frozen, its molecules become locked in place, leaving no room for movement. This lack of movement means that when an object takes an impact, it cannot flex to absorb the energy, causing it to shatter in a spectacular fashion. The tiny spaces in solid objects that allow molecules some give are eliminated when an object is super frozen, creating a more brittle structure.

The Effect of Super Freezing on Inorganic Objects

In this section, we explore the effects of super freezing on locks, baseballs, silicone dildos, and other inorganic objects. While locks and baseballs shattered upon impact with a hammer, sledgehammer, or baseball bat, silicone dildos suffered from fractures that spread through the material, causing its eventual shattering. We learn that super freezing can make even tough objects more brittle and prone to shattering.

Can Liquid Nitrogen Freeze Human Flesh?

In an exciting experiment, Brent Ros volunteers to have a full 12-ounce cup of liquid nitrogen thrown directly onto his bare skin. However, due to the Leidenfrost effect, the liquid nitrogen bursts into a gas upon contact with Brent’s skin, forming a vapor barrier that protects him from the freezing liquid. While this experiment should not be tried at home, it demonstrates the protection humans naturally have against super freezing.

The Leidenfrost Effect: How Does it Protect Skin from Freezing?

The Leidenfrost effect is a natural process that occurs when a liquid comes into contact with a surface much hotter than it. In this case, Brent’s skin was much hotter than the liquid nitrogen, causing it to burst into a gas and create a layer of vapor that protected his skin from freezing. However, had the liquid nitrogen been allowed to pool anywhere on his skin, it would have caused severe damage.

Breaking Baseballs: Tough Molecules and Insulation

In this section, we learn why baseballs are so tough and resistant to freezing. Baseballs are made up of a small plug of cork that is wrapped in hundreds of yards of wool yarn, which traps a lot of air, making it an excellent insulator. The molecular bonds in the leather casing also make it very resistant to shattering upon impact.

Experimenting with Delicate Objects: Peacock Feathers and Roses

In an exciting experiment, Brent smashes a frozen rose and a peacock feather to demonstrate the difference in how delicate objects shatter with super freezing. While the rose shatters into a million pieces, the peacock feather retains its flexibility due to its mostly-air composition. This experiment shows the insulating properties of air and how it protects delicate objects from becoming too brittle upon impact.

The Birth of the Idea: The Frozen Watermelon Experiment

The idea for the entire experiment was born out of Brent’s childhood memory of watching Gallagher smash a watermelon in slow motion. This leads to the final experiment of smashing a frozen watermelon and watching it shatter in super slow motion, fulfilling Brent’s childhood dream.

What Have We Learned?

In conclusion, using liquid nitrogen to super freeze objects can lead to spectacular results, with objects becoming more brittle and prone to shattering. However, the insulating properties of air and the Leidenfrost effect protect delicate objects and human skin from being damaged by freezing temperatures. Baseballs withstand freezing due to their tough molecular bonds and superior insulation, while peacock feathers remain flexible due to their mostly-air composition. Overall, the experiment demonstrates the fascinating world of physics and the effects of extreme temperatures on objects.