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I would like to find out how much energy is required to liquify gases (oxygen or nitrogen, for example). What are some relevant equations?

I'm curious whether creating small quantities of dry ice or cryogenic fluids is feasible at home. If James Dewar was able to liquify hydrogen in 1898 surely it must not be that difficult!

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You might take a minute to contemplate the construction of a vacuum flask (AKA "dewer"). These guys weren't amateurs, they had time, money, and access to sophisticated equipment. Dry ice should be feasible, and liquified gasses might be, but you're going to need more than a few equations to manage it. – dmckee♦ Mar 23 '11 at 4:11
Many things that were once restricted to professionals are now accessible to hobbyists. I am trying to get a sense of whether cryogenics is one of them. At the very least, humor my curiosity and treat the question as a thought experiment! – M. Dudley Mar 23 '11 at 5:07
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I'm always happy to hear about another hobbyist. However, be aware that high-pressure gases are incredibly dangerous. Let me say that again: High pressure gas is incredibly dangerous. In grad school I was almost killed by a small 800 psi argon explosion. Even a small volume of liquid nitrogen in a sealed soda bottle will explode with enough force to take your fingers. – Andrew Mar 23 '11 at 16:39
A primary source for those links: ucih.ucdavis.edu/docs/chemistry_301a.pdf – Andrew Mar 23 '11 at 16:45

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