Fire and ice theme of Purdue chemistry show
September 29, 2014
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The unusual behavior of everyday items at supercold temperatures will be among the demonstrations in Purdue University’s annual chemistry show on Saturday (Oct. 4).
The fire-and-ice-themed show begins at 11 a.m. in Wetherill Laboratory of Chemistry, Room 200. The show is free and open to the public and designed to be of interest to those 6 and older.
The show will include a wide range of demonstrations that explore the extremes of hot and cold through the science of chemistry, said Paul Smith, director of lecture demonstrations for the Department of Chemistry. Demonstrations include chilling common objects to minus 195 degrees Celsius using liquid nitrogen. The objects include a flower, hot dog, helium balloon, water balloon and bouncy ball. In addition, a magnet will float and spin above a supercold superconductor, an orb of dry ice will glow and bright metal fires will be displayed.
The Department of Chemistry sponsors the show. and additional information is available at http://www.chem.purdue.edu/chemshow/.
Writer: Elizabeth K. Gardner, 765-494-2081, ekgardner@purdue.edu
Source: Paul Smith, 765-494-5307, psmith4@purdue.edu
