September 21, 2025 | UR Gate
Balloon and Liquid Nitrogen (N) Experiment (-196°C)
Discover the amazing balloon and liquid nitrogen experiment at -196°C. Learn how gases shrink and expand with temperature in this exciting science demonstration.
Liquid nitrogen experiments are some of the most exciting and visually impressive ways to learn about science. One of the most popular classroom demonstrations is the balloon and liquid nitrogen experiment, where an inflated balloon is dipped into liquid nitrogen at -196°C. This simple yet powerful experiment perfectly illustrates the relationship between temperature, volume, and the behavior of gases.
What Is Liquid Nitrogen?
Liquid nitrogen (LN₂) is nitrogen gas cooled and condensed into a liquid at an extremely low boiling point of -196°C (77 K). It is colorless, odorless, and looks just like water, but it is much colder than anything we experience in daily life. Because of its ultra-low temperature, it is widely used in:
- Cryopreservation of biological samples.
- Food freezing and culinary experiments.
- Cooling electronic devices.
- Classroom and laboratory science demonstrations.
The Four Stages of the Balloon Experiment
This experiment is usually explained step by step, making it easy for students and science enthusiasts to understand.
- Before immersion – The balloon is fully inflated with air at room temperature, floating normally.
- Immersion in liquid nitrogen – The balloon is placed into a container of liquid nitrogen. Cold vapor clouds form around the balloon as the nitrogen boils rapidly.
- After removal – Once the balloon is taken out, it looks shrunken, wrinkled, and completely frozen. This happens because the gas molecules inside lose energy and occupy much less volume.
- Back to room temperature – As the balloon warms up, it gradually expands and returns to its original size and smooth shape.
👉 You can view this process in our illustration below, which clearly shows each stage of the experiment.
The Science Behind the Experiment
This experiment is a practical demonstration of Charles’s Law, which states:
The volume of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature (measured in Kelvin).
- At very low temperatures (like -196°C), gas molecules move slower and the balloon shrinks.
- At higher temperatures (room temperature), the molecules move faster and the balloon expands again.
This simple experiment makes abstract gas laws visible in real life.
⚠️ Safety Precautions
Since liquid nitrogen is extremely cold, it must be handled with care:
- Always wear insulated gloves.
- Use safety goggles.
- Never touch liquid nitrogen directly with bare hands.
- Perform the experiment in a well-ventilated area.
These steps ensure a safe and fun demonstration.
Why Is This Experiment Important?
- It provides a visual and hands-on learning experience for students.
- It connects physics concepts like temperature, pressure, and volume to real-world applications.
- It shows how scientific laws govern everyday phenomena.
Fun Facts about Nitrogen
About 78% of the air we breathe is nitrogen.
Liquid nitrogen is often used in molecular gastronomy to make unique frozen desserts.
Nitrogen is essential for life, forming part of DNA and proteins.
Conclusion
The balloon and liquid nitrogen experiment is more than just a fun classroom trick—it’s a powerful way to teach science. By watching a balloon shrink, freeze, and then expand again, students can directly see how temperature affects gases.
If you are interested in more detailed chemistry and physics experiments, visit our website: urgate.org
, where we provide high-quality educational content and online tools for chemistry learners.
