Students Have a Blast During "Trashcano"
Eighth grade students in Mr. Wagner's earth science class watched with wonder as their volcano project launched learning to a whole new level on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
The colorful demonstration uses liquid nitrogen to simulate a volcanic eruption by rapidly vaporizing it inside a sealed container then submerging it in a container of water. This causes a forceful explosion that can launch small objects like balls into the air, mimicking the explosive nature of a volcanic eruption. The demonstration is sometimes called a "Trashcano.".
When liquid nitrogen is treated this way, it rapidly boils and creates a rapid gas expansion. The pressure builds until the container erupts. The balls fly up in the air and rain down to create a debris field.
Students observed from a distance as Mr. Wagner safely executed the experiment, then they mapped the debris field and analyzed the eruption's impact— an unforgettable lesson in physical science and chemistry.
When liquid nitrogen is treated this way, it rapidly boils and creates a rapid gas expansion. The pressure builds until the container erupts. The balls fly up in the air and rain down to create a debris field.
Students observed from a distance as Mr. Wagner safely executed the experiment, then they mapped the debris field and analyzed the eruption's impact— an unforgettable lesson in physical science and chemistry.
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The "trashcano" simulates a volcanic eruption by using pressurized liquid nitrogen, water and soft spheres.
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The result send balls flying into the air, to the delight of the students.
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Mr. Wagner explained the physics and science of the experiment to his earth science students.
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He used safety precautions as he poured liquid nitrogen into a sealed container and submerged it in a trashcan filled with water.
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After the blast, they mapped the debris field and analyzed the impact of the eruption.
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