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Vacuum pump out of a Fridge

Start with the video, then use the science notes and recommended parts below to follow the idea behind the build.

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How it works

What this project is testing.

A refrigerator compressor is basically a gas mover: it pulls gas from one side and pushes it out the other. Used carefully as a vacuum pump, that same idea can lower the pressure in a chamber.

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The experiment makes pressure visible. As air is removed, gases expand, bubbles grow, and boiling or flexible objects can behave in ways that feel surprising at normal room temperature.

P V = n R T

When the amount of gas in the chamber drops, pressure drops too, even if the chamber volume stays nearly fixed.

F = P A

A pressure difference over an area can create a large force on lids, seals, and chamber walls.

Recommended parts

Products used in this project.

Affiliate links may earn Keystone Science a commission. Match ratings, values, sizes, polarity, and safety requirements to your own build before buying.

EDGELEC 120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires 20cm Wire Length Optional Dupont Cable Assorted Kit Male to Female Multicolored Ribbon Cables

jumper wires / hookup wirewiring

120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires, 20cm Dupont Cable Assorted Kit, Male to Female

$6.984.7(4,500)

BOJACK 24Value 630pcs Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Assortment Box Kit Range 0.1uF－1000uF

capacitorpassive electronics

BOJACK 24-Value 630pcs Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Assortment Box Kit, 0.1uF-1000uF

$16.994.7(953)

BOJACK 14 Value 240 pcs Diode Assortment Kit Contain Rectifier/Fast Recovery/Schottky/Switching Diode 1N4001 1N4004 1N4007 1N5404 1N5406 1N5408 RL207 FR107 FR207 UF4007 1N5817 1N5819 1N5822 1N4148

diodesemiconductor

BOJACK 14-Value 240pcs Diode Assortment Kit

4.8(1,000)

Tolako 5v Relay Module 5V Indicator Light LED 1 Channel Relay Module for Arduino ARM PIC AVR MCU

relay / switchcontrol

5V 1-Channel Relay Module with Indicator LED for Arduino, ARM, PIC, AVR, and MCU Projects

$5.694.6(381)

EUDAX 6 Set DC Motors Kit, Mini Electric Hobby Motor 3V -12V 25000 RPM Strong Magnetic with Shaft Propeller, 2 x AA Battery Holder,9V Battery Clip Connector,Plastic Wheels for DIY Science Projects

electric motorelectromechanical

EUDAX 6 Set Mini DC Motors Kit, 3V-12V, with Propellers, Wheels, Battery Holders, and Connectors

$11.994.5(1,500)

Panasonic Portable AM/FM Radio, Battery Operated Analog Radio, AC Powered, Silver (RF-2400D)

AM/FM radio receiverradio

Panasonic RF-2400D Portable AM/FM Radio, Battery Operated or AC Powered

$29.994.5(33K)

MECCANIXITY Graphite Block Ingot Rectangle Graphite Electrode Plate Board 100x20x5mm for Melting Casting, Electrolysis Electroplating, Pack of 5

electrodeschemistry/electrical

MECCANIXITY Graphite Electrode Plate Board, 100x20x5mm, Pack of 5

$9.394.6(53)

Good functional match, but sparse Amazon review evidence. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

Eastman 0.17 Inch ID (1/4 Inch OD) PVC Clear Vinyl Tubing, 20 Foot Length, 98560

tubing / hosefluid/vacuum

Eastman Clear Vinyl Tubing, 0.17 Inch ID, 1/4 Inch OD, 20 Foot Length

$5.984.6(5,100)

ZENY 3.5CFM Single-Stage 5 Pa Rotary Vane Economy Vacuum Pump 3 CFM 1/4HP Air Conditioner Refrigerant HVAC Air Tool R410a 1/4" Flare Inlet Port, Blue

vacuum pump / fridge compressorvacuum

3.5CFM Single-Stage 1/4HP Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump

$68.994.5(3,800)

BACOENG 3 Gallon Tempered Glass Lid Vacuum Chamber with Pump, Stainless Steel Degassing Chamber Kit for Resin, Silicone, Epox

vacuum chamber / jarvacuum

BACOENG 3 Gallon Tempered Glass Lid Vacuum Chamber Kit

$89.994.5(688)

LOKMAN Stainless Steel Hose Clamp Assortment Kit- 60 Pieces, Adjustable 1/4''- 1-1/2'' (6-38mm) Worm Gear Metal Fuel Line Clamp for Plumbing, Automotive And Mechanical Applications

hose clampfluid/vacuum

LOKMAN Stainless Steel Hose Clamp Assortment Kit

$16.99

VOTMELL 4 Rolls 1/2 Inch(W) X 520 Inches(L) Teflon Plumbers Tape,Pipe Sealing & Plumbing Thread Tape,PTFE Water Sealant Seal for Shower Head,White

PTFE thread seal tapefluid/vacuum

VOTMELL PTFE Thread Seal Tape

$4.25

CPS VG200 Digital Vacrometer Vacuum Gauge, Measures Microns, Millibar, TORR, Inches/HG, Two Button Operation, Automatic Temperature Compensation, 5-digit LCD Display, Padded Case, T-Fitting and Hook

vacuum gaugevacuum

CPS VG200 Digital Vacuum Gauge

Project files

Prints, kits, and downloads.

Diagrams, printable files, kits, or companion downloads will appear here when they are ready to use.

Coming soon

Contact

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