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The Incredible Growing Putty Ball
In "Painting with Hot and Cold", we introduced you to canned air. You saw how the rapid expansion of the gas created a cold spot which could change the color of Hypercolor Thinking Putty.When you spray canned air with the container completely upside down, the propellant inside comes out as a liquid -- it doesn't have time to turn into a gas before it escapes. If you spray this into a hollow putty ball, then, as the gas expands, the ball will grow until it pops, like a balloon, on its own.
When you perform this experiment, you'll really get a sense of the energy inside an expanding gas. A big blob of Thinking Putty takes work to squeeze and shape. The gas's desire to equalize its pressure with atmospheric pressure reshapes the putty dramatically.
If you are going to try this experiment, you need to take precautions. The liquid that comes out of the can will become VERY COLD and can easily create frostbite on bare skin. Remember, frostbite isn't when your skin feels really cold; it's when your skin and surrounding tissue actually DIES because it has been frozen to death.
Let's review some important safety tips:
- Only perform this experiment outdoors. The chemical inside the canned air is heavier than oxygen. Even moderate spraying indoors can replace breathable air resulting in YOUR asphyxiation.
- Keep the spray away from hot glowing surfaces (ovens, stoves, grills, etc). The heated surfaces can decompose the canned air into Hydrogen Fluoride (aka Hydrofluoric Acid).
- Do not get silly and start spraying the canned air onto bare skin. It is easier than you think to get frostbite from the cold. It might not be a bad idea to wear long sleeve clothing and gloves.
- Be smart. 'Nuff said.
1. Roll your Thinking Putty into a ball. Try to make sure that there are no air bubbles or pockets inside. You want solid putty.
2. Hollow out a small space in the ball as if you were making a cup. The easiest way is to press your finger into the ball. Make sure not to press past the mid-point. You don't want to create a weak spot on the opposing wall.
3. Insert the tip of the canned air into the hollow space. Mold the Thinking Putty around the hole so that it is tight and secure.
4. Aim the canned air so that it would spray off to your side. You don't want any of it to spray towards you OR accidentally back in your direction. Give it a good spray. Pull the nozzle out quickly and seal the hole.
Here it is in action. Enjoy!
Can't see the video above? Check it out on YouTube!
If your putty ball pops, then one of the walls was significantly thinner than the others. You'll have to practice your ball making technique. How big can you get your ball before it pops?
I'd love to hear your ideas and see your creations so send them to me! crazyaaron@puttyworld.com
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