Gases- Professor in a Bag

Professor in a Bag

Dr. Rodney Schreiner

Description: The lecturer places a large clear plastic bag containing a mixture  of approximately  80% helium and 20% oxygen over his/her head. The lecturer’s voice rises for several minutes.

Source: UW Card Catalog

Year: N/A  Vol: N/A  Page: N/A

Keywords: Helium, Oxygen, Plastic bag, Voice, Frequency, RMS velocity, Boltzmann

Ratings:

Hazard: Some

  • Asphyxiation hazard
  • Inert gas in use
  • Oxidizer

Effectiveness: Good

  • Strong effects are seen by audience
  • Low failure rate
  • Time to results is low
  • Good connection from demo to course material

Difficulty: Medium

  • Simple procedures
  • Simple manipulations for most to perform
  • Sequential manipulations
  • Demos at non-standard conditions

Safety Precautions:

  • Ensure oxygen is placed in bag to avoid asphyxiation
  • Eye protection required
  • Perform in a well-ventilated area
  • Handle pressurized gas with caution

Class: Gas Laws, Physical Chemistry, Molecular Properties

Division: General