I'm still trying to convince people that even the standard demo (LN2 in your mouth, or dipping your hand in molten lead) is a Bad Idea.
It's a simple risk analysis. If you screw up, you will be badly hurt, with permanent effects if you're unlucky. It's easy to screw up. So, don't do it. (Same argument I use for telling people not to make nitrogycerine.)
Plenty of other demos you can do with the same substances that aren't as dangerous (aside from nitroglycerine, of course).
Actually, I've been thinking for quite a while about compiling a list of things not to do, in chemistry and in other fields, and suitable replacements. This is yet another thing to pester me about doing in the extremely unlikely event that I a) have free time and b) have already finished my backlog of tasks.
There are some things I'm perfectly willing to believe without demanding proof... such as the advice against chewing tinfoil. It's painful, you say? I'll take your word for it.
Oy. I spent ten minutes last night explaining to my roommate exactly why it would be a bad idea to try to make ice cream with liquid nitrogen at an upcoming party. Getting the liquid nitrogen and having all the proper safety equipment on hand aside, this will be at a party where copious quantities of alcohol will be consumed and numerous small children will be around. Bad, bad, bad.
According to an urban legend, liquid nitrogen is an ingredient of one of the crazy cocktails in Tyumen (an oil-producing region of Russia), called burwatchik ('corkscrew'). =^.^=
Take melted lead. Pour a small amount into the palm of one hand, if you've been a good blacksmith, that palm will be very calused and sweaty.
Quickly pour the lead back and forth three times, then back into the crucible. Your guests will be amazed.
Now, the red hot iron trick. This one's really simple but requires calusus (because you are using the liquid in your skin to provide the boil cushin) Pick up a piece of red hot iron. IT MUST BE RED HOT OR HOTTER! Juggle this one too. Then put down.
You must pick up the iron quickly and lightly, heavy peices are not a good idea for this reason.
This is the same thing as with dry ice or liquid nitro, but it uses the water on/in your skin to boil off and provide the protection. You can lose a few layers of skin this way if you arn't carefull. I burned myself pretty bad with some lead when I did this and my hands were dry. :-p
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Things to not do.
Date: 2003-06-18 11:46 am (UTC)It's a simple risk analysis. If you screw up, you will be badly hurt, with permanent effects if you're unlucky. It's easy to screw up. So, don't do it. (Same argument I use for telling people not to make nitrogycerine.)
Plenty of other demos you can do with the same substances that aren't as dangerous (aside from nitroglycerine, of course).
Re: Things to not do.
Date: 2003-06-18 01:30 pm (UTC)Re: Things to not do.
Date: 2003-06-18 09:37 pm (UTC)There are some things I'm perfectly willing to believe without demanding proof... such as the advice against chewing tinfoil. It's painful, you say? I'll take your word for it.
Cold? Yeah, I'll second that...
Date: 2003-06-18 11:48 am (UTC)Q.
(no subject)
Date: 2003-06-18 01:42 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2003-06-18 01:50 pm (UTC)The right way with liquid metals.
Date: 2003-06-23 12:16 pm (UTC)Take melted lead. Pour a small amount into the palm of one hand, if you've been a good blacksmith, that palm will be very calused and sweaty.
Quickly pour the lead back and forth three times, then back into the crucible. Your guests will be amazed.
Now, the red hot iron trick. This one's really simple but requires calusus (because you are using the liquid in your skin to provide the boil cushin) Pick up a piece of red hot iron. IT MUST BE RED HOT OR HOTTER! Juggle this one too. Then put down.
You must pick up the iron quickly and lightly, heavy peices are not a good idea for this reason.
This is the same thing as with dry ice or liquid nitro, but it uses the water on/in your skin to boil off and provide the protection. You can lose a few layers of skin this way if you arn't carefull. I burned myself pretty bad with some lead when I did this and my hands were dry. :-p