Understanding dry ice with science experiments

Many science experiments explain in detail how dry ice can be made but very few list its usage and application. Here is a detailed study of dry ice with possible science experiments, usages, and applications of dry ice in our daily lives.

Photo by: Christopher

What is dry ice?

The cold dense white mist produced by solid carbon dioxide in air is commonly known as dry ice. In chemical terms, dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide, a normal part of our earth’s atmosphere. Dry Ice is particularly useful for freezing, and keeping things frozen because of its very cold temperature: -109.3°F or -78.5°C. The coolest thing about dry ice is that it changes from a solid directly to gas without changing into liquid. Wearing insulated gloves is a must while handling dry ice.

Making dry ice –

Follow these easy steps to make dry ice easily.

Supplies

1. CO₂ fire extinguisher or carbon dioxide tank
2. Cloth bag
3. Insulated gloves

Directions

1. Put on your insulated gloves first.
2. Carefully insert the nozzle of the fire extinguisher into the cloth bag.
3. Clamp your hand around the mouth of your bag and discharge the fire extinguisher.
4. Turn off the extinguisher and seal the bag.
5. You will soon see dry ice in the bag. Store it in the freezer for longevity. 

Science experiments with dry ice

Photo by: Bart Everson

Blowing up balloons –

Supplies:

1. Balloons
2. Empty plastic bottle with a narrow mouth
3. Pellets of dry ice
4. Insulated gloves

Directions:

1. Blow up a balloon with your breath and keep it aside.
2. Put a few pellets of dry ice in a bottle.
3. Hold a balloon over its mouth and see it getting inflated with the carbon dioxide that releases when the dry ice sublimes.
4. Once it inflates, tie it up with thread.
5. Toss up both the balloons in the air and notice their flights.

Observations and questions – Which balloon comes down sooner? Can you explain why?

Explanation – Carbon dioxide is heavier than air which is why the balloon that contains dry ice falls down faster!

Hot pot –

Supplies:

1. Dry ice
2. A large pot
3. Hot water

Directions:

1. Place a few pellets of dry ice in the pot.
2. Pour hot water in the pot and watch the cool cloud forming almost immediately.

Observations and questions – How soon does the cloud stop forming? Don’t add any more water till all the cloud is over. How does it happen?

Explanation – Over time, the dry ice will make the water cold and the “smoking” will slow down. Dry ice will blend only with hot water to produce carbon dioxide and smoke.

Aren’t the science experiments cool? They can be easily tried and tested at home with adult supervision and by wearing proper safety gear, especially insulated gloves. Dry ice will get you cold blisters if you don’t use gloves. Have fun with science!