SchoolTube Community
imagine being able to turn air into a cold, refreshing drink. that's exactly what happened when starbucks partnered with derek muller to celebrate their nitro cold brew. but how did we get from scientific doubt to enjoying liquid nitrogen in our coffee? let's dive into the history of liquid nitrogen and its surprising connection to calcium oxide and nether portal calculators.
the quest for liquid nitrogen
in the 19th century, scientists struggled to liquefy nitrogen. michael faraday, a british scientist, was the first to produce liquid chlorine and ammonia by putting them under high pressure. he used a mixture of dry ice, snow, and ether to reach temperatures as low as -110°c. by 1845, he managed to liquefy all known gases except six, including oxygen and nitrogen, which were considered 'permanent' gases.
french physicist aimé cotton attempted to liquefy oxygen and nitrogen by compressing them in tanks and lowering them into the ocean over 1.6km deep. however, even at 200 atmospheres of pressure, the gases remained stubbornly gaseous. it wasn't until 1877 that cailletet in france successfully produced the first droplets of liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen by compressing and rapidly releasing the pressure, cooling the gases to an estimated -200°c.
liquid nitrogen today
fast forward to today, and we can now purchase cryocoolers that compress and expand gases to absorb heat and eject it into the surroundings at ambient temperature. nitrogen, which makes up 78% of the atmosphere, is now used in various applications, including the starbucks nitro cold brew. the tiny micro bubbles in the drink create a smooth, frothy texture that's subtly sweet without added sugar.
the connection to calcium oxide and nether portal calculators
while calcium oxide and nether portal calculators may seem unrelated to liquid nitrogen, they play a role in the history of science and technology. calcium oxide, also known as quicklime, was used in early experiments to generate heat and light. nether portal calculators, on the other hand, are a nod to the world of gaming and virtual reality, where liquid nitrogen can be used to cool computer components for better performance.
conclusion
the journey of liquid nitrogen from scientific doubt to your favorite cold brew is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. from michael faraday's early experiments to the nitro cold brew at starbucks, liquid nitrogen has come a long way. so next time you enjoy a nitro cold brew, remember the fascinating history behind the frothy, cold drink.
for more fun and educational content, check out these links:
pumpkin bread: the science of baking a fall favorite
diy lava lamp: easy steps for a homemade lava lamp
understanding wind: a bill nye-inspired exploration
You may also like