What's needed to get liquid helium to climb up a beaker? Thanks

In summary, the conversation discusses the cost and difficulty of creating a double Dewar flask set up with a window for cooling to 1.7 Kelvin. It is suggested that this would cost around $1k and require equipment for storing liquid nitrogen and helium. The idea of visiting a university for assistance is also mentioned, with the reminder that they are not there to perform tricks. The need for specialized equipment and knowledge is emphasized.
  • #1
jaketodd
Gold Member
508
21
Any idea how much this would cost and how difficult? Should I forget about trying it myself and visit a university? Thanks
 
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  • #2
How much what would cost? You would certainly need a double Dewar flask set up with a window. If you are clever maybe $1k. Then you would need to vacuum pump it to cool it to 1.7Kelvin. You would need liquid Nitrogen and liquid Helium storage.
How about just doing youtube?
 
  • #3
jaketodd said:
Should I forget about trying it myself and visit a university?

Universities don't exist to perform tricks for random passers-by. You may be disappointed.

hutchphd is right, though. You need a helium fridge/liquifier and the ability to deal with cryogenic liquids. This is not cheap nor is it something you just whip up.
 

1. How does liquid helium climb up a beaker?

Liquid helium is able to climb up a beaker due to a phenomenon called capillary action. This is the ability of a liquid to flow against gravity in a narrow space, such as a small tube or in between the tiny spaces in the surface of a solid object.

2. What is needed to get liquid helium to climb up a beaker?

To get liquid helium to climb up a beaker, you will need a narrow tube or a small space in the surface of the beaker. The surface tension and the adhesive forces between the liquid helium and the beaker will also play a role in the climbing process.

3. Why does liquid helium climb up a beaker?

Liquid helium climbs up a beaker due to a combination of surface tension, adhesive forces, and capillary action. As the liquid helium is attracted to the surface of the beaker and the molecules of the liquid are attracted to each other, it is able to overcome the force of gravity and climb up the beaker.

4. Can any liquid climb up a beaker like liquid helium?

No, not all liquids can climb up a beaker like liquid helium. The ability of a liquid to climb up a beaker depends on its surface tension, adhesive forces, and the size of the space it is trying to climb through. Other factors such as temperature and pressure can also affect a liquid's ability to climb up a beaker.

5. Are there any practical applications for liquid helium climbing up a beaker?

Yes, there are practical applications for liquid helium climbing up a beaker. Capillary action is used in various industries, such as in medical devices, inkjet printers, and even in plants to transport water from the roots to the leaves. Understanding this phenomenon can also help scientists and engineers design better instruments and devices that utilize capillary action.

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