Magnetic Properties of Liquid Nitrogen and Oxygen
Keywords:
molecular orbital theory, paramagnetism, unpaired electron, oxygen, magnetic property
Materials:
Liquid Nitrogen, ~1-2 L, in Dewar flask
Liquid Oxygen, ~1-2 L, in Dewar flask
Magnet
Unsilvered Dewar Flasks (2)
Fire Extinguisher
Hazards:
Cryogenic - Liquid Oxygen and Nitrogen
Oxidizer - Liquid Oxygen
Explosive - Liquid Oxygen (in presence of fuel)
Heavy Object - Magnet (top heavy)
Pinch - Between Magnetic Poles (note: adhesive holding pole-faces may be embrittled by cryogens and could result in sudden detachment of pole-faces)
Implosion - Glass Dewar Flasks
Procedure:
Pour liquids into separate unsilvered Dewar flasks; show that liq. O2 is blue in color and liq. N2 is not blue.
Pour liq. N2 between the poles of the magnet; point out that the liquid flows through without influence from the magnetic field.
Pour liq. O2 between the poles of the magnet; point out that the liquid is attracted to the magnetic field. Observe that liq. O2 is suspended between the poles.