Can You Safely "Drink" Liquid Nitrogen?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety and implications of "drinking" liquid nitrogen (LN2), exploring both the physical effects and anecdotal experiences related to this practice. Participants share personal accounts, seek further information, and express curiosity about the phenomenon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that drinking LN2 can be safe if done in small amounts, as the nitrogen vaporizes near the tongue, creating an insulating layer of gas.
  • Another participant shares a personal anecdote about a professor who attempted to drink LN2 and subsequently spat it out, indicating a potential risk or unexpected reaction.
  • There are requests for more information and experiences from others, indicating a desire for broader input on the topic.
  • Links to external resources about drinks involving liquid nitrogen are shared, raising questions about the appropriateness of discussing such practices on the forum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the safety of drinking liquid nitrogen, with some sharing personal experiences while others express concern or seek further clarification.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of scientific evidence or detailed safety guidelines regarding the practice, as well as varying personal experiences that may not reflect broader outcomes.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the physical properties of gases, safety in experimental practices, or anecdotal experiences related to chemistry demonstrations may find this discussion relevant.

whozum
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Another trick you can do is to "drink" LN2. since the nitrogen will vaporize when it gets near your tongue, it will float on an insulating bed of
nitrogen gas and not actually freeze your tongue. You can then blow smoke
and impress your friends. Important Note: don't drink very much at a time
(just a sip) otherwise your skin temperature may eventually get to freezing,
and also do not actually swallow since your epiglotis will seal off your
esophagus and hold the LN2 long enough to freeze the surrounding tissue.

Where can I see a video of this? Has anyone tried it or know someone who has? What are your thoughts if I said I wanted to try it?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
My professor actually did it when I took gen chem. He then spit it out all over the place.
 
Anyone else have input? I was hoping GCT would make an appearance.
 
http://www.webtender.com/db/drink/5172
Seen this before?

[edit:Its just a page describing how to make a drink called "liquid nitrogen."

I just thought this might not be good for physicsforums?]
 
Last edited:

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