4A40.30 • Properties of Materials at Low Temperature: Smash a Rose, Tube, or Ball

Photo Shows the Demonstration Used at U.T. Austin

Instructions / Notes:

• The demo comes with a hammer, 2 or 3 six-inch clear plastic tubes, and a couple of racquet balls.
• At the start of the demonstration, the instructor should show the pliability of each object by bending / striking it against the table or bouncing the object.
• When LN2 is added to the tray, give the objects sufficient time to freeze.
• Demo Staff: This demo needs a full dewar of liquid nitrogen.
• The hose and the ball take about four to five minutes to fully harden.
• The ball can be thrown to the floor and the tubing smashed with the hammer.

Last updated on April 6, 2023