Copper Spring
A coiled spring with looped wire attached to a dark weight
Description: A coil made of either copper or lead solder is cooled in liquid nitrogen. It’s behavior at 77K is compared to its behavior at 298K. The cooler become more elastic, retaining their shape more readily.
Source: UW Card Catalog
Year: N/A Vol: N/A Page: N/A
Keywords: Copper coil, Liquid Nitrogen, Weight, Temperature, Material properties
Rating: 
Hazard: Some
- Cryogenic burn hazard
- Asphyxiation hazard
- Implosion hazard
Effectiveness: Average
- Mild effects are seen by audience
- Good reliability
- Results are observable with guidance
- Time to result is medium
- Somewhat connected to course material
Difficulty: Medium
- Demos at non-standard conditions
- Some careful manipulations required
- Use of vacuum applied glassware
- Simple procedures
Safety Precautions:
- Cryogenic gloves required
- Eye protection required
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Temperature resistant surface recommended
Class: Intermolecular Forces, Properties of Solids, Crystal structure
Division: General
Home| General Chemistry Demos