Demonstration of Leidenfrost Effect using Liquid Nitrogen

The Leidenfrost Effect (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leidenfrost_effect) is when a liquid boils, producing an insulating layer of gas. This phenomenon is seen when the liquid comes into contact with a mass significantly hotter than the liquid's boiling point.

This originally was an audition tape for an upcoming science/stunt show. I didn't get the role, but thought I would reedit the clip for educational use.

**DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!** (I tried it at my parent's home instead ;)

Film was written, directed, filmed, produced, edited, and acted by Timotheus.

Thanks to Mary for assisting in some of the filming when a tripod just wouldn't work, and to Chris and Brenda for loaning me their camera.

Film was written, filmed, edited, and finalized in only 8 hours.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• leidenfrost effect
• liquid
• nitrogen
• science
• stunt
• Demonstration (people)
• Demonstration (teaching)
• Education
• LN2
• Liquid Nitrogen
• hand
• freezing
• frost bite
• Alton Brown
• demonstration
• gas
• vaporize
• insulate

[scottiebobson]

Did your hand feel cold when you dumped that liquid nitrogen on it?

[CrazyScience1]

@scottiebobson Actually, it didn't feel cold. Because of the Leidenfrost Effect the feeling is more of cool (not cold) air being poured on my hand. However, when any liq N2 pools on my hand I do feel a "bite," which feels more like a bug nipping at me than anything cold.

[CrazyScience1]

Okay, I am now pretty curious about how each of you found my video. Last week the count was around 500, and now it has tripled! Has a link been posted on a website? Do tell! :)

[CrazyScience1]

Professional credentials? Hmmm...well, I don't get paid to work on my PhD, but perhaps that is what you are asking about. I have a B.S. in biochem/biophysics, minoring in chemistry. Currently I am in my last year of my PhD in neurotoxicology. I work with LN2 often in the lab, and have stumbled upon some of its quirks. Before I knew there was such thing as a Leidenfrost effect, I found that getting *a little* LN2 on my skin didn't cause any damage.

[drewkipow]

you are a creepy man.

[gannadoslayer1]

that was cool how the hot dog became solid

[TomCatFort]

Yes! It protects you for only 1 ~ 2 seconds.

[Gomagomes]

nice experiment! 5/5

[CrazyScience1]

If you go to 1:04, you will see that I do "burn" myself...there are two white dots at the base of my middle finger.  No damage at all, though. The LN2 pooled in the crevasse of my finger, freezing me like Carl mentioned.

[Headcrabb]

"leidenfrost effect" search query : )

[carl95125]

The Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) must not be able to "pool" in the hand or anywhere else that you don't want to freeze. Needless to say having your lap soaking wet with LN2 is not good either.

Carl

[vydak5000]

Does that insulating gas have a time limit? If the nitrogen didn't run off your hand fast enough would it freeze then?

Awesome video :)