Why does liquid argon stop boiling after a while in dewar?

In summary, liquid argon or liquid nitrogen sizzles when first poured into a container due to boiling caused by the hot environment. However, after a few minutes, the liquid cools down the environment and the boiling stops. This is because the initial contact with the warm vessel causes the boiling, but once the vessel is cold, there is only minimal evaporation due to imperfect insulation. This discussion involves chemistry and possibly classical physics, and may be more suitable for the General Physics forum.
  • #1
Phys12
351
42
When we fill a dewar or any other container with liquid argon (or liquid nitrogen), if I am correct, it sizzles because it is boiling. However, after we leave it inside for a few minutes, it stops. Does this happen because when you first pour it inside, the environment is of the liquid is much hotter making it boil, but after a while, the liquid makes its environment cold enough that it doesn't boil anymore?

P.S. I posted this in the High Energy forum since we do these kinds of experiments in my HEP lab and I wasn't sure where else this fit better (General Physics, maybe?).
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
When you fill the dewar the argon has to cool the dewar, which means absorbing a lot of energy and boiling violently. After it reaches equilibrium, in a very well insulated container the boiling will be much, much slower to the point that it is barely noticeable; no "rolling".

This looks like chemistry to me...
 
  • Like
Likes Phys12
  • #3
Something like 10 orders of magnitude missing to be high energy. Classical physics should fit.
Edit: Or chemistry.

You are right. Initially the contact with the warm vessel makes it boil, once the vessel is cold you just get a bit of evaporation as the insulation is not perfect.
 
  • Like
Likes Phys12

1. Why does liquid argon stop boiling after a while in dewar?

Liquid argon stops boiling after a while in dewar due to its low boiling point. At atmospheric pressure, argon has a boiling point of -185.9°C (-302.6°F), which is much lower than room temperature. This means that as soon as it is exposed to the warmer environment outside of the dewar, it begins to rapidly boil and evaporate, causing it to eventually run out.

2. Does the shape of the dewar affect how long liquid argon will continue to boil?

Yes, the shape of the dewar can affect how long liquid argon will continue to boil. A dewar with a smaller opening will have a smaller surface area exposed to the warmer environment, which can help slow down the rate of boiling. However, eventually all liquid argon will boil off regardless of the dewar's shape.

3. Can the temperature of the surrounding environment affect how long liquid argon will continue to boil?

Yes, the temperature of the surrounding environment can affect how long liquid argon will continue to boil. A colder environment will help slow down the rate of boiling, while a warmer environment will cause it to boil and evaporate more quickly.

4. Is it possible to prevent liquid argon from boiling off in a dewar?

No, it is not possible to completely prevent liquid argon from boiling off in a dewar. However, there are ways to slow down the rate of boiling, such as using a dewar with a smaller opening or keeping it in a colder environment. Additionally, regularly topping off the dewar with more liquid argon can help prolong its use.

5. What happens to the liquid argon that has boiled off from the dewar?

The liquid argon that has boiled off from the dewar will turn into a gas and dissipate into the surrounding environment. Argon is a non-toxic and non-reactive gas, so it does not pose any harm to the environment. However, it is important to properly dispose of any empty dewars to prevent any potential hazards.

Similar threads

Replies
32
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
32K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
28
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
26
Views
19K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
5K
Back
Top