Burst a Balloon
![A balloon attached to a rod and has a small flask inside of it](/media/libraries/college-of-science-and-engineering/physics/images/demo-images/BalloonBurst.jpg)
PIRA: 4C30.35
A small amount of liquid nitrogen is boiled in a boiling flask with a balloon mounted over the mouth. As the nitrogen evaporates, the balloon expands until it bursts. The liquid to gas expansion ratio of nitrogen is about 1:700. Use this fact to make sure enough liquid nitrogen is used, accounting for the fact that some will be lost as it will boil rapidly until the flask cools sufficiently. A water bath can be used to greatly increase the boiling rate if you think the balloon is taking too long to fill.