Physics department hosts liquid nitrogen ice cream socials
In 1994, when Scientific American published an article that included a range of scientific recipes, including one for liquid nitrogen ice cream, scientists sat up and took notice. They knew experimentation with large quantities of gaseous chemicals could be fun, but they’d never considered that they could also be delicious.
One little article and a surprisingly simple recipe and the Department of Physics’ Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Socials were born. Physics students and professors gather regularly to concoct large pots of creamy goodness and share scholarly conversation in a relaxed atmosphere.
“The socials are particularly great for students who are still considering declaring a physics major,” said Con Beausang, a physics professor and the department chair. “Students get the chance to talk with physics majors and professors about the types of things they’ll be learning in more advanced classes and about potential career paths and graduate school options.”
Wondering what goes into the pot? Only milk, heavy cream or half and half, real vanilla (or other flavoring), sugar and, of course, lots of liquid nitrogen.
Want to score a serious ice cream headache? Ask your physics professor for details on the next social.