Liquid Nitrogen and the Leidenfrost Effect
Why do scientists and demo presenters often choose not to wear protective gloves when handling liquid nitrogen? This is due to a little nifty phenomenon called the Leidenfrost effect.
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The Leidenfrost effect occurs when a liquid comes into contact with a surface that is significantly hotter than the boiling point of that liquid. The vapor released by its rapid boiling, elevates the liquid droplets from the surface and they hover around, as if repelled. The steam acts as a thermal barrier between the surface and the liquid droplet.
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