Chem Students Blow Up Water!

by Mrs. Walter
​This week in Chemistry class students blew up water!  ​The goal was to reach the triple point of dry ice (solid carbon dioxide). The triple point is reached when all three phases of matter (solid, liquid, gas) exist at the same time. The phase of matter is determined by a combination of temperature and pressure. The kids increased the pressure by sealing a plastic pipet that contained dry ice. They could tell when the triple point was reached because they could see the solid melting at the same time that the liquid was boiling.  Cool.  If they don't release the pressure it will increase to the point of exploding the pipet. Fun.  (The activity is done in a cup of water to contain any shards of plastic that may occur but it also helps to see inside the action inside the pipet as well.)