Why liquid nitrogen can sometimes hover above a hot surface
In short: This video explores the Leidenfrost effect, a physical phenomenon that creates a protective vapor barrier between a liquid and a surface significantly hotter than its boiling point.
The Leidenfrost effect occurs when a liquid droplet meets a surface with a temperature far exceeding the liquid's boiling point. This causes rapid boiling, which releases vapor that lifts the droplet, allowing it to hover as if repelled by the surface.
This vapor layer functions as a thermal barrier, which is why presenters sometimes handle liquid nitrogen without protective gloves.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Liquid Nitrogen and the Leidenfrost Effect
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