thermodynamics

Leidenfrost Effect

Watch a 3D water droplet levitate on a hot surface. See the vapour cushion form above the Leidenfrost point, insulating the droplet and making it skitter — interactive heat transfer visualization.

Leidenfrost

A-Level

When a liquid droplet contacts a surface significantly hotter than its boiling point, a vapour layer forms instantly beneath it. This insulating cushion prevents rapid boiling and allows the droplet to survive for much longer than expected.

Surface Temp250°C

Droplet Size2.0mm

📐 Formulas

Q = mc\Delta TEnergy to heat the droplet

T_{\text{Leid}} \approx T_b + 30\,\text{K}Approximate threshold

📋 Syllabus

AQA3.6.2