Exploring Science Experiments

Study Notes

Science Experiments

Science experiments are hands-on activities where students learn through observation and experimentation. They can be conducted at home with everyday materials or in a laboratory setting. Here we will explore four interesting science experiments: observing condensation, dropping a balloon into liquid nitrogen, comparing water and alcohol evaporation, and boiling water.

Condensation

Condensation is the process of turning vapor back into liquid. This can be observed using breath exhaled onto a cold windowpane. As air cools down quickly when it leaves your body, the moisture particles begin to move slower until they turn into tiny droplets of water which appear like dewdrops on the glass. Similarly, this process can also be seen by boiling some water, allowing it to cool in the open air and collecting droplets that form on the outside of the container.

Balloon in Liquid Nitrogen

When a balloon is dropped into liquid nitrogen (-196°C), the gas inside it rapidly expands and bursts the balloon within seconds due to rapid cooling. This happens because the gas that makes up the air and helium inside the balloon expands faster than the material of the balloon can withstand, causing it to burst.

Water vs Alcohol Evaporation

Water evaporates at 100°C, but alcohol like ethanol evaporates around 78°C due to its lower boiling point. To compare this, you could heat two beakers containing water and alcohol side by side at different temperatures. You'll notice that the alcohol will start to bubble first as it boils away more quickly.

Boiling Water

Boiling water experiments are not only used for cooking but also for demonstrating scientific principles. When water reaches its boiling point (100°C), bubbles form due to the energy from heat being converted into water molecules jumping from liquid state to vapor state.

Description

Discover fascinating science experiments including observing condensation, dropping a balloon into liquid nitrogen, comparing water and alcohol evaporation, and boiling water. Learn about the processes of condensation, expansion due to rapid cooling, different boiling points for water and alcohol, and the transformation of water molecules into vapor.