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These "Dippy Birds" have been around for years, and you can't fool us - you've always wanted one. Now's your chance! But do you understand how it works? Do you get the complex relationship between chemistry and physics that makes this simple heat engine operate?

Is it a perpetual motion machine, or is it something more than that? Well, the answer is it's more than that. The Second Law of Thermodynamics states (paraphrased) that energy can neither be created nor destroyed in a closed system. So how does that relate to our little glass birdie here?

The goop in his butt is methylene chloride, which has a very low boiling point, and therefore evaporates quickly. At room temperature, one or two degrees temperature difference causes the bright red chemical to climb to his head. Suddenly topheavy, he falls over. The felt head, soaked in the water from the cup, cools the methylene chloride, and it drains back to the bottom. The bird rights itself, and it starts all over again.

Is this perpetual motion? Technically yes, but it's not energy for free! Temperature differentials drive the motor. That energy comes from the environment - from the sun. Is it efficient? Hardly, but it's still very cool.

Features:

  • A fascinating classic
  • About 8" tall
  • Tip his beak into a glass of water, and he goes back on his own again and again

How does The Famous Drinking Bird work? It is a small heat engine. The temperature difference between head and belly makes the liquid rise, the head gets top-heavy and tips forward, then the liquid drains back and the cycle starts again.

Is it a perpetual motion machine? No. Temperature differentials drive the motor, and that energy comes from the sun.

What do you need to get the bird going? A glass of water. Tip his beak into the water and he goes back on his own again and again.

How tall is the drinking bird? He stands about 8 inches (20 cm) tall.

What is the liquid inside the bird? Methylene chloride. It has a very low boiling point, so it evaporates quickly at room temperature.

Who is this bird for? For anyone who likes physics and wants this classic sitting on their desk.

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