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Disappearing-reappearing rabbit trick: A new twist to an old liquid nitrogen demonstration

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Elaine K. Haub

Chemistry Department, Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, IN 47150

J. Chem. Educ., 2001, 78 (1), p 46

DOI: 10.1021/ed078p46

Publication Date (Web): January 1, 2001

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

Demonstrations using liquid nitrogen are very common in chemistry courses and chemistry outreach programs. The shrinking of a balloon when cooled and its subsequent "re-inflation" upon warming is a crowd pleaser. Audience members have been known to exclaim that this is chemistry magic. Toying with that idea has led to a new twist to this old demonstration. A magic hat with a suitable container inserted holds the liquid nitrogen. Instead of a regular balloon, I use a balloon animal in the shape of a rabbit. The rabbit "disappears" as it is lowered into the hat and "reappears" when it is removed from the hat.