“A layer of bubbles protects the flesh from liquid nitrogen, though only for a split second. Need proof? Watch the video.”
“When I first saw this photograph of a man’s hand submerged in liquid nitrogen at somewhere below -320° F, my immediate thought was, “That guy must be crazy! One second in that stuff, and you’re shopping for new skin!” My shock was tempered only slightly by the fact that it was my hand, and we’d taken the picture just a minute earlier.”
“I hadn’t realized that my hand was quite so deep into the liquid. Amazingly, I barely felt the cold at all. My skin didn’t get hurt for the same reason that water droplets dance on a hot skillet. An insulating layer of steam forms almost instantly between the water and the metal, keeping the droplets relatively cool as they float for several seconds without actually touching the hot surface.”
Read more at PopSci (Thanks @moonylein and Tiffany T)
I think there should be a “Do not try this at home” disclaimer!
Cool!
I might have to try this!
Thats crazy
Haha, this is weird, I saw this and posted it to my FB yesterday. I’m one step ahead of you Derren
(not really though >,>) x
Liquid Nitrogen is fun stuff. I disagree with their statement that the “best” way to dispose of the excess is to pour it into a lake though. It’s far more fun to pur any excess into a large container that contains some boiling water and washing up liquid – bubble monsters ftw!
This is known as the Leidenfrost effect and was covered recently on Mythbusters, where they put their hands into molten lead… Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZio0f7fP04
‘Adam and Jamie did some research on the Leidenfrost effect, in which cool water vaporizing on a very hot surface generates a layer of vapor that temporarily insulates against high temperature. They melted some lead in a crucible and heated it to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, then dipped a raw, wet sausage; it emerged partially cooked and with some particles of lead adhering to it. After they raised the temperature to 850 degrees Fahrenheit, the sausage could be dipped and removed unscathed, since the lead was now hot enough not to solidify on contact. Finally, Adam and Jamie dipped their own fingers into the liquid.’
If you think that’s amazing, I’ve just watched a man DRINKING liquid nitrogen !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2f1ECjs9fA&feature=related
OMG, the things boredom will push you to.
So if you happen to drop your keys in there .. no problemo!
And .. oh well .. would it not work so well .. look at the bright side …. you at least wont have warts anymore …
dont you just love the Leidenfrost effect lol