Cloud Rings

Cloud Rings uses a mist generator and a large rubber membrane with a hole in the middle to launch a ring of vapor up to the ceiling. The ring is generated by the friction between the hole’s edge and the vapor flowing through the hole, which forms a swirling pattern known as a vortex.

Educational Resources

• Physics Central: Air Cannon
  Build a simple air cannon and make your own air rings at home.
  http://www.physicscentral.com/experiment/physicsathome/cannon.cfm
• Steve Spangler Science: How to Make Giant Smoke Rings
  Instructions for building a giant air cannon
  http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/00000076
• Wikipedia: Vortex Ring
  Start here for an introduction to vortex rings and their surprising applications.
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vortex_ring
• Fog Chamber
  How to make your very own DIY fog!
  http://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/fog_chamber/
• Boyling Water
  Boil water at room temperature.
  http://www.exo.net/~pauld/activities/boylingwater/boylingwater.html
• Gas Model
  Build a visual model of how molecules behave in a gas.
  http://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/gas_model/

Explainer Videos

For Information About Exhibit Sales:

Kua Patten
Exhibit Services Director
kpatten@exploratorium.edu
+1 415-353-0409 (phone)

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