CO2 Sequence

Intended to be viewed from left to right and top to bottom, this sequence of photos depicts a demonstration of the triple point of carbon dioxide. A micro-scale, plastic pipet bulb is filled with crushed dry ice. The neck of the bulb is pinched with pliers and the bulb is immersed in water. The transfer of heat from the water to the bulb warms the dry ice (solid CO2). Sublimation occurs, thus filling the bulb with gas and raising the pressure. The increase in temperature and pressure moves the dry ice towards its triple point where all three phases co-exist. Before the plastic bulb explodes (middle, second row), all three phases of the carbon dioxide can be viewed. The solid is melting and the liquid is bubbling (sign of a gas). The bulb finally ruptures along its seam, providing a show in and of itself.

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