how do cold packs work

Share Your CryoMAX Cold Packs Injury Recovery Journey. CryoMAX Cold Pack Instructions: 1. Shake the instant cold pack gently to move the water bag and crystals to the bottom. Our top priority is student learning. Many instant cold packs contain ammonium nitrate. Please log in (or create a free account) to let us know how things went. Hours of continuous cold therapy while active. 2. Do not attempt to use as a hot pack. DO NOT FREEZE THE COLD PACK WITHOUT PLACING IN THE SUPPORT WRAP AS DAMAGE MAY OCCUR TO THE COLD PACK. Increasing the temperature of the afflicted area even slightly can soothe discomfort and increase muscle flexibility. You may print and distribute up to 200 copies of this document annually, at no charge, for personal and classroom educational use. Keep it away from sharp objects. When treating a new or “acute” injury, ice will help to decrease the metabolism in the area which helps to decrease the extent of tissue damage. An instant cold pack is the perfect example of an endothermic reaction. After that, use ice for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 times a day: in the morning, in the late afternoon after work or school, and about one-half hour before bedtime. You can also buy heat and/or cold patches, warming blankets, or specialized heat-emitting devices, such as ultrasound machines and/or infrared mats from the store. The temperature change is apparently the heat of solution of the salt. Always use the support wrap provided. (2009, April 14). Science Buddies Staff. it breaks the tube so that the water mixes with the fertilizer. Place 1 polystyrene cup inside another and then place both cups inside a 400-mL beaker. What is your enthusiasm for science after doing your project? Look at the slope of the graphs. The application of ice-packs can cause frostbite, skin blisters, and serious burns when used directly on the skin. Download the CryoMAX® Cold Pack Instructions in English. Continuous use: Continuous use: Many doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists recommend continuous cold therapy for certain post-surgical or chronic conditions. Why Won't it Mix? The outer bag is made of thick plastic and is relatively strong. WarningDo not apply cold pack directly to skin without support wrap.Follow all instructions carefully. When the inner bag is squeezed the bag ruptures, and the water it contains mixes with the ammonium nitrate and the endothermic reaction occurs. Instant cold packs are available at most sporting goods stores. Carolina Biological, and It turns out that sodium acetate is very good at supercooling. It "freezes" at 130 degrees F (54 degrees C), but it is happy to exist as a liquid at a much lower temperature and is extremely stable. All Rights Reserved. For any other use, please contact Science Buddies. Record the starting temperature of the water in cup #1 in a data table in your lab notebook. You can reuse the spoons and cups for the new trials, after rinsing them thoroughly with water. How can something produce heat or cold without any microwaving or refrigeration involved? When it is dissolved in water, it splits into positive ammonium ions and negative nitrate ions. mixing a salt (such as potassium chloride) or soda (such as baking soda) with water. Safety The heat pack becomes quite hot. We use cookies and those of third party providers to deliver the best possible web experience and to compile statistics. Devise a new procedure that reduces or eliminates the sources of error you identified. Use the heat capacity value from Equation 2 for "c.". This more-advanced site discusses the thermodynamics of the ammonium nitrate reaction. Equation 2 says that "the heat capacity of water is 4.18 joules per gram of water per degree Celsius." Cold temperatures cause muscles to numb and constrict, preventing the muscle from being overworked and allowing it to heal. While cold burns can be avoided by placing a thin towel between the skin and the ice pack, ice cannot deliver the same consistent temperature as a body contouring medical device. You might want a helper to write the times and temperatures down as you take the readings. The lesson includes explanations of exothermic and endothermic reactions. Instant ice packs are also reusable, which makes them more cost effective than pure ice. Write to us at As shown in Figure 1, the pack has two sealed bags, one inside the other. Position the cold pack over the affected area. © 2021 Life Wear Technologies LLC. 6. For cold therapy, put the clay pack flat in your freezer for four hours. Overall, how would you rate the quality of this project? Chemistry teacher Michael Ng joined Mike Sobel to explain the science behind cold packs used for aches and pains and keeping food cool. Ammonium nitrate from an instant cold pack. This cold pack is non-toxic. In the process of dissolving the crystal, the water molecules "donate" some of their energy. Using Equation 1 from the Introduction, calculate the heat energy, q, in joules, that each sample lost. The water is in a separate bag within the cold pack. Chemical reactions that produce heat are called exothermic. The cold pack starts to cool as soon as the inner bag is broken, and stays cold for over an hour. Cold packs are very effective at reducing swelling and numbing pain. How does the heat capacity of water compare with the heat capacity of other common materials, such as aluminum, glass, or air? This cooling reaction occurs instantaneously but lasts for about an hour. Place the lid on the calorimeter, p… an “instant cold pack.” It does not need refrigeration and can be stored for months in a first aid kit, yet it produces cold the moment it is needed. When you pop the plastic that contains the ammonium nitrate solid, it comes into contact with water and dissolves. Graph the data, with the grams of ammonium nitrate on the x-axis and the temperature difference on the y-axis. Do not apply cold pack directly to skin without the support wrap. Proceeds from the affiliate programs help support To Conduct Demonstration. Devise a procedure to determine how varying the starting temperature affects the size of the temperature change. Instant Ice packs are great for This ensures that your results are accurate and repeatable. Use the temperature change from the table for T1 - T2. What this means is that if you add 4.18 J of heat energy to 1 g of water, its temperature will increase by 1.0°C. Adult supervision is required. The less fluid that leaks from blood vessels, the less swelling results. DO NOT FREEZE THE COLD PACK WITHOUT PLACING IN THE SUPPORT WRAP AS DAMAGE MAY OCCUR TO THE COLD PACK. Ammonium nitrate is potentially hazardous, wear gloves and safety goggles when working with it. When the inner bag of water is broken by squeezing the package, it dissolves the solid in an endothermic reaction. Compare ammonium nitrate with other chemicals, such as ammonium chloride, calcium chloride (exothermic), and sodium chloride. 1. When not in use, always store your CryoMAX cold pack in the support wrap in the freezer. You can measure the amount of heat that is involved using Equation 1. Cold Packs Application of a cold pack helps to decrease inflammation, slow metabolism, decrease skin temperatures, and to ease achy-type pains. Hot/cold packs are used by athletes to minimize swelling of injuries such as muscle and joint sprains. The answer is: chemistry. Substances other than water have different heat capacities. Create a new data table for each trial. Ammonium nitrate is a white crystalline substance. You can record at longer intervals, such as 30 sec, if you choose. Label the Styrofoam cups with numbers 1 to 5. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. This reaction absorbs heat from the surroundings, quickly lowering the pack's temperature. 3. Figure 1. When you continuously use your CryoMAX cold packs without freezing, it is unlikely CryoMax will stay cold for 8 hours. Have you ever used a hot pack to warm your hands or a cold pack on an injury? Do not use CryoMAX for continuous use until it has been out of the freezer for half an hour. If discomfort, redness, or increased swelling occurs, discontinue use of CryoMax cold packs and consult with your doctor. Do not use CryoMAX on an open wound unless prescribed by a physician. A few specialty items, including instant cold packs containing ammonium nitrate, are needed. 4. The hot/cold pack is activated by breaking the seal on the pouch of water and shaking the pack vigorously. When printing this document, you may NOT modify it in any way. If contents come in contact with eyes or clothing, rinse affected area with warm water. Single Use Cold Packs In single use cold packs, the chemical ammonium nitrate is used. Repeat steps 6–10, with new and clean materials and equipment, adding the following amounts of ammonium nitrate. How does a cold pack work? Check with your doctor first. 5. For water at 25°C, the heat capacity is 4.18 J/(g°C). There are two types of chemical hand warmer products, both using exothermic (heat-producing) chemical reactions.Here is how they work. (Note: Without following the CryoMAX cold pack instructions, CryoMAX may not last up to 8 hours.). CryoMAX® Cold Pack or watch the video below. Do not heat or microwave. The heat capacity of a substance tells you how much the temperature will change for a given amount of energy exchanged. They are constructed of a large pouch containing a dry chemical plus an inner pouch of water. How does the final temperature change as more ammonium nitrate is added? (opens in new tab). Slows metabolism and, thus, slows down inflammatory reactions In general, cold packs work for pain relief because cold Numbs the affected area and, therefore, the pain Reduces blood supply and, hence, the inflammation and concussion (Remember, your mom ran to the refrigerator after you hit your head against the wall?) DO NOT APPLY CRYOMAX COLD PACK DIRECTLY TO SKIN WITHOUT THE SUPPORT WRAP. Point the digital thermometer at the water's surface and push the "on" button to get the temperature. Amazon.com, In cold packs, ammonium nitrate is used because it absorbs a lot of heat when it dissolves in water. Do not over tighten elastic strap as this will cut-off circulation. Cool Science: How do cold packs work? From laboratory testing and consumer responses, we believe that it is safe to use for continuous periods as well as the 20-minute cycle. Do not place any other materials on the top or bottom of the support wrap/cold pack. How much heat energy is "lost" when ammonium nitrate dissolves in water? Add the mass of ammonium nitrate to the data table for samples 1–5. Heat therapy works by improving circulation and blood flow to a particular area due to increased temperature. If you have any comments (positive or negative) related to purchases you've made for science projects from recommendations on our site, please let us know. For the first 72 hours, ice for 10 minutes, once an hour. Specific Heat Capacity. Place the CryoMAX cold pack in the adjustable support wrap. Please enter a search term in the text box. The cold pack is activated by breaking the barrier separating the water and ammonium chloride, allowing them to mix. Use different amounts of ammonium nitrate. Science Buddies Staff. Newspaper, scrap to cover your work surface, Digital scale, accurate to at least 1 g, such as the digital pocket scale from. Now you will use the information you have learned to figure out the science behind how a hot pack and cold pack function. Following the CryoMAX cold pack instructions should eliminate that concern. Wikipedia Contributors. Graph the results. Disclaimer: 3. CryoMAX can be used for all cold therapy situations, CryoMAX Cold Packs Recommended For: Back, Elbow, Foot, Face, Hip, Hand, Neck, Shoulder, Thigh. Use the total mass (water plus ammonium nitrate) for "m": 110 g for cup #1, 120 g for cup #2, etc. Add 100 mL of distilled water to each of the five cups. In the short lesson students learn how those cold packs, prevalent in every high school athletic trainer's kit, go from room temperature to near freezing so quickly. 20 minutes on and off for hours while resting. Demo Time: 10 – 15 minutes. Repeat steps 1–12 two more times, so you have at least three trials. What happens when the solution becomes saturated (that is, no more ammonium nitrate can be dissolved)? is squeezed, the inner bag of water breaks and the water mixes with the chemicals. Our top priority is student learning. Always position the rounded side of blue modules toward the affected area. Hours of continuous cold therapy while resting. Dispose of the ammonium nitrate solution down the sink. Apply an ice or cold pack to the injured or sore area at least 3 times a day for as long as you have pain, swelling, and inflammation. 2. -- such that you don’t have a thick barrier between the cold pack and your skin. Freeze the CryoMAX cold pack for at least 6 hours before use. Look at your data tables. In this chemistry science fair project, you will determine how the amount of ammonium nitrate that is dissolved in water affects the magnitude of the temperature change that occurs. This is your calorimeter for measuring changes in temperature. Remove the spoon when taking the temperature, as it may cause an error in the reading. In the procedure, you will dissolve different amounts of ammonium nitrate in water and measure the before and after temperatures, then graph the temperature change vs. grams of ammonium acetate added. Place the support wrap/cold pack flat in the freezer. Stop taking readings when the temperature stops decreasing. There are many possible ingredients in an instant cold pack, but they often contain ammonium nitrate and water. The usual 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off recommendation is based on concerns of frostbite. Compared to a typical science class, please tell us how much you learned doing this project. The chemical reaction between ammonium nitrate and water is an endothermic reaction. One item that most first-aid kits often leave off their list is ice. Home Science Tools, Although clay packs don’t freeze solid even when they’re placed in the freezer, laying them flat allows the pack to mold onto the affected area more effectively. A heat pack like the one you are describing contains sodium acetate and water. The ammonium nitrate is stored in a sealed plastic bag that is surrounded by water. The perfect thing to liven up a rainy day, school vacation, or moment of boredom. For traditional therapeutic application, leave in place for 20 minutes, remove for 20 minutes, reapply to the affected area for 20 minutes and repeat. Wear thin clothing -- T-shirt, undergarments, etc. DO NOT drop CryoMAX on hard surfaces when frozen. Science Buddies, a 501(c)(3) public charity, and keep our resources free for everyone. When the cold pack is squeezed, the inner bag of water breaks and the water mixes with the chemicals. Instant cold packs containing ammonium nitrate and water (4). Throughout this unit, you have gone over crucial information. This kind of endothermic process is used in instant cold packs. 7. scibuddy@sciencebuddies.org. This is why it’s always important to be prepared. DO NOT APPLY COLD PACK DIRECTLY TO SKIN WITHOUT SUPPORT WRAP. What are some sources of error in the procedure? Measure 100 mL of water with a graduated cylinder and pour it into the top polystyrene cup of the created calorimeter. Use a plastic spoon to add 10.0 g of ammonium nitrate on the square/weigh boat. Instant ice packs are smaller and much easier to transport than pure ice, making ice packs a favorite tool of physical therapists. 1. You can find this page online at: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Chem_p081/chemistry/how-do-cold-packs-work. Place the CryoMAX cold pack in the adjustable support wrap. Set off heat packs and cold packs and pass them around the audience. If you’re not going to use your CryoMAX for an hour or more during the treatment process, simply return it to the freezer. Jameco Electronics. Science Buddies participates in affiliate programs with (2020, June 23). What is the chemical formula for ammonium nitrate dissolving in water? Copyright © 2002-2021 Science Buddies. Try one of our science activities for quick, anytime science explorations. Record the temperature every 15 seconds (sec) until it stabilizes. Stick around and we'll send you a coupon for $1 off your purchase!Enter your email address below and we'll send you a personalized coupon code. As proven in the graph cup C was the coolest temperature because it had the most The reaction needs more en… If you are doing a demonstration, making a cold pack, or just seeking examples of endothermic reactions and processes, there are other chemicals you can react to get a lowered temperature: Research the thermodynamics of the ammonium nitrate dissolution and calculate the. If pain persists, consult your physician. People with circulatory problems should not use cold therapy unless prescribed by a physician. It’s possible now, thanks to instant ice packs. Based on your research, what is the definition of. Add 10.0 g of ammonium nitrate to the water in cup #1. 2. Reactions that are accompanied by the absorption of heat are called endothermic. Dissolve any leftover ammonium nitrate in water and dispose of it in a sink. How Cold Packs Work The cold packs have two bags, a strong outer plastic bag with a thin plastic bag inside. The objective of this chemistry science fair project is to determine how the temperature of a mixture of water and ammonium nitrate changes with the amount of ammonium nitrate dissolved in the water. Heat therapy can relax and soothe muscles and heal damaged tissue. If you have any comments (positive or negative) related to purchases you've made for science projects from recommendations on our site, please let us know. Write to us at, Flash Tutorial: Ammonium Nitrate Dissolution. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission is strictly prohibited. Calculate q/gram for each sample. "Cold Pack Chemistry: Where Does the Heat Go?". Do they all have the same initial rate of change, or does the initial rate of change increase as the amount of crystal increases? Graph the temperature vs. time for each sample. Cold packs are presumably ammonium salts (judging by the stated contents). Please download the instructions on how to use your CryoMAX® Cold Pack or watch the video below.Download the CryoMAX® Cold Pack Instructions in English, Download the CryoMAX® Cold Pack Instructions in Spanish, Watch our instructional video on how to use Cryomax Cold Packs on YouTube. Using ice or a cold pack is also beneficial for managing flareups of chronic conditions such as arthritis, headaches and back pain. Data Analysis/ Discussion The results of this experiment show that the more ammounium nitrate there is in a cold pack the cooler it will get and the more chemicals it has to react with the water. The burning of gasoline in a car engine is an example of an exothermic reaction. Some doctors DO NOT recommend applying cold therapy for more than 20 minutes at a time. Pour the ammonium nitrate crystals into the plastic bowl. As an example of an endothermic reaction, when the chemical ammonium nitrate is dissolved in water, the resulting solution is colder than either of the starting materials. All rights reserved. Based on your research, what are some examples of exothermic and endothermic reactions? As a result, the water cools down. Graph the results, with the amount of ammonium nitrate in grams on the x-axis and the heat energy (q) on the y-axis. Subtract the ending temperature from the beginning temperature for each cup. For hot therapy, place the clay pack in the microwave for about 60 seconds to warm it up. An instant cold pack is a device that consists of two bags; one containing water, inside a bag containing ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate or urea. Place the support wrap/cold pack flat in the freezer. As an alternative to freezer packs which need to be stored in the freezer, instant ice packs are a popular choice because they are portable, can be stored at room temperature, and are easy to use. Instant cold packs that activate on-demand can be bought from the store and are useful while you’re traveling or at work; Watch Video: How to Make 5 Quick and Easy Ice Packs. Stir the contents of the cup gently between each reading. I know what you’re thinking, how in the world are you going to pack ice into a first-aid kit? How does the instant cold pack work? Discover the Brazil Nut Effect. - A Chemistry Lesson The Chemistry of Cold Packs is a new TED-Ed chemistry lesson. Science Buddies, a 501(c)(3) public charity, and keep our resources free for everyone. The water and ammonium nitrate are in separate compartments in the pack. Collect the ammonium nitrate from the instant cold pack, as follows: Put on your safety goggles and latex gloves. Do not apply for continuous use until a half hour after removing from the freezer. Equation 1 states that "the amount of heat energy that is lost when water changes from temperature T1 to the lower temperature, T2, equals the difference in the two temperatures (also called ΔT), times the heat capacity, times the mass of the solution.". These cold packs have a strong outer plastic layer that holds a bag of water and a chemical, or mixture of chemicals, that result in an endothermic reaction when dissolved in water. Click It hot packs are reusable instant heating pads that heat in a click. During the 20 minutes off between applications, wrap the CryoMAX cold pack in a thick towel to insulate it from air temperature. Injuries can happen anywhere. If your fingers are cold or your muscles ache, you can use chemical hand warmers to heat them up. Place one of the wax paper squares on the scale. An injury swells because fluid leaks from blood vessels; cold causes vessels to constrict, reducing their tendency to ooze. 4.7: How Does a Cold Pack and Hot Pack Work? How Do Cold Packs Work?

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