Fun with cryogenics and whip cream

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of cryogenics on shaving cream and whipped cream, specifically the potential for these substances to expand dramatically when subjected to liquid nitrogen. Participants explore the feasibility of conducting an experiment to observe this phenomenon, while considering safety and practicality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that dipping a can of shaving cream in liquid nitrogen and removing the metal could lead to significant expansion of the cream, potentially filling a car.
  • Others argue that the expansion of shaving cream is due to the boiling of a liquid gas propellant under pressure, while whipped cream, being full of air at atmospheric pressure, may not expand further unless it is from a pressurized can.
  • A participant suggests that the experiment should be conducted with caution to avoid damaging an expensive car.
  • Another participant notes that real whipped cream does not expand further once whipped, but synthetic whipped cream from a pressurized can might behave differently.
  • One participant questions whether releasing the cream from the can would yield similar expansion without the need for cryogenics.
  • Another participant emphasizes the enjoyment of witnessing the dramatic expansion of the frozen cream, provided it does not involve personal property damage.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the expansion capabilities of whipped cream versus shaving cream, with no consensus reached on the practicality or safety of the proposed experiment.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the properties of different types of whipped cream and the effects of cryogenics on them. The discussion also highlights the potential risks associated with the proposed experiment.

runnergeek2
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has anyone heard about dipping a can of shaving cream in liquid nitrogen, stripping away the metal and then placing the remains in a car. The effect is supposed to be that the shaving cream expands to such a great volume that it fills the entire car.

If this is possible I was wondering if the same can be done with whip cream.:smile:
 
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No, shaving cream is expanding by the boiling of a liquid gas propellant that is under pressure in the can. Whipped cream is full of air at atmospheric pressure. No additional expansion will be available.

Sorry, I was thinking of the old fashioned way of making whipped cream by hand. If you are using a pressurized can of whipped cream the same results may happen.
 
Last edited:
has anyone heard about dipping a can of shaving cream in liquid nitrogen, stripping away the metal and then placing the remains in a car. The effect is supposed to be that the shaving cream expands to such a great volume that it fills the entire car.

If this is possible I was wondering if the same can be done with whip cream.

This definitely calls for an experiment, though in order to preserve a reasonable degree of goodwill within society in general I may recommend not using a car for the testing.

Atleast not a very expensive one.
 
Real 'Whipped cream' doesn't expand further - it's already whipped.
I think the OP meant the synthetic 'squirty cream' that come in an presurised can, I think that is cream (probably plus some emulsifier or vegatable oil) and a propellant. So it might work.
 
Wouldn't one get the same amount of expansion by simply taping down the trigger and letting the cream (whipped or shaving) out of the can?
 
Yes, but that is being a bit sensible ! It's more fun to watch the uncontrollable expansion of a frozen block of the stuff - at least if it isn't you car.
 

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