TOPIC:

ID Code: H6-05
Purpose: Demonstrate the drop in frequency of vocal formants due to the decrease in the speed of sound in a heavy gas.
Description: Snort a lungfull of sulfur hexafluoride and talk and sing normally. Your voice takes on a deep, muffled character due to the decrease in frequency of your vocal formants. This is a REAL HOOT, and should be done with the helium voice whenever the appropriate occasion arises.

This demonstration can be dangerous, and must only be used after instruction by Lecture-Demonstration personnel. The purpose of this demonstration is to illustrate the effect of vocal formants, not as entertainment for groups where the physics content is not discussed. Supplies may be very limited; contact the Lecture-Demonstration manager before ordering to see if it is available. Take a couple of big breaths of air first to get plenty of oxygen, then breath out completely before inhaling the sulfur hexafluoride.

Availability: Available