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Liquid air

Adapted from Wikipedia ยท Explorer experience

What Is Liquid Air?

Liquid air is a special kind of air that has been cooled until it becomes a pale blue liquid. It is very, very cold and needs to be kept in special containers, like vacuum flasks, so it does not warm up to room temperature. When it gets warmer, it quickly turns back into a gas that we can see and feel.

Why Is Liquid Air Important?

Liquid air is very useful for scientists and engineers. It helps them separate air into its parts, like nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and other inert gases. This process is called air separation. These gases are important for many things, like making steel and helping people breathe in hospitals. Liquid airโ€™s quick temperature changes make it a handy tool in many jobs.

Fun Facts About Liquid Air

Liquid air is much heavier than regular air. It weighs about 870 kilograms for every cubic meter. It boils, or turns back into a gas, at around -194 degrees Celsius. This is colder than liquid nitrogen but warmer than liquid oxygen. People first made liquid air in 1883, and today, special machines are used to create it. Some experts think liquid air might be a good way to store energy for the future!

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This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Liquid air, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.