In this science activity, you can put a balloon in a candle flame without it exploding! How is that possible? Is about heat transfer.
A balloon filled with air will burst when it gets too close to a flame, as the heat from the candle warms the skin of the balloon and weakens it. The trick to making a balloon that can't be popped is to add water to it. The heat from the flame heats the water instead of the balloon, which then does not explode.
If you were thinking of putting a puncture through a balloon It was impressive, the unstoppable balloon. science trick will leave you speechless!
You will need to
two ballons
Water
Protective glasses
Candle
Matches
Leaf
This activity requires adult supervision.
Instructions for balloons that cannot be popped
Put on safety glasses.
Light the candle and place it safely on a plate. A light sail works well.
Blow up the first balloon and slowly lower it onto the lit candle. The balloon will burst.
Inflate the second balloon halfway and add about 200 ml of cold water. Explode until it reaches the same size as the first.
Lower the balloon back onto the candle. The balloon must be able to touch the flame and not explode.
Why doesn't the balloon containing water explode?
Is about heat transfer. When the first balloon approached the candle, it exploded because the heat from the candle weakened the skin of the balloon, which then exploded.
The balloon containing water did not explode, as the water absorbed the thermal energy of the candle, not the skin of the balloon. Thanks to the water, the balloon did not get hot enough to burn. Water absorbs heat much better than air.
The black substance at the bottom of the balloon containing water is carbon from the candle flame.
Turn it into an investigation.
To make this activity an investigation, think of a variable to test and a question to answer. Some ideas are:
- How much water does it take to prevent a balloon from bursting?
- Does a larger balloon burst more easily than a small one?
- Does adding more water increase the time a balloon can remain in a flame?
More science experiments using a balloon
Find out how burst a balloon with an orange.
Learn about burping with burp balloons.
Design and build a balloon powered car.
Make a balloon rocket with scientist Bob!
Discover how a hot air balloon works.
Last updated on April 18, 2024 by Emma Vanstone
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