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Phone: 417.347.7431
Fax: 417.374.7442
1747 North Deffer Drive
Nixa, Missouri 65714
Introduction
This apparatus is a fun and interesting way to demonstrate the
principles behind the formation of clouds without ever leaving the
classroom. The instructions for use are on the following page.
Clouds are made up of small water droplets, ice crystals, and whatever
small particles are in the air at any given moment, such as dust,
dirt, and pollen. A cloud forms when gaseous water vapor in the
atmosphere condenses into ice and water using the particles in the air
as nuclei of condensation.
Cloud formation is tied to pressure and temperature. Water vapor maintains its gaseous form as long as its
temperature stays above what is known as the
dew point.
Though it varies depending on multiple factors, such
as humidity and pressure, the dew point is the
temperature where the air can no longer hold any
more water vapor. When air gets colder than its dew
point, the water vapor in it condenses into liquid or
solid water. This liquid and solid water will attach to
the particles in the air and form a cloud.
There are multiple ways in which air can cool to the
point of forming clouds. Air can be warmed by the
sun as it heats the ground. Since warm air rises, this
air near the ground moves upward where it cools and
experiences a drop in pressure. As it goes through
this drop in temperature and pressure, it will pass its
dew point and condense into a cloud. Air can also be
forced upwards when it hits sloped terrain or areas
of low pressure, which will lead to cloud formation
as well.
Use our cloud formation apparatus to witness this
phenomena in a controlled, closed system.
Cloud Formation Apparatus
#4-30101
Warning:
• Not a toy; use only
in a laboratory or
educational setting.
• Contains latex.
• California Proposition
65 Warning: This
product may contain chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
