Balloon Popping Experiment

 

Learn about what makes balloons pop!

 MATERIALS:

  • Balloon

  • 2 pieces of tape (each about 2 inches in length)

  • Needle or pin

TIME ESTIMATED:

10-15 minutes

DIRECTIONS: 

  1. Blow up the balloon.

  2. Use the two pieces of tape to make an “X” on your balloon.

  3. Carefully push the needle through the middle of your “X”.

  4. Leave the needle in and observe how long it takes your balloon to pop.

Think LIke a Scientist!

  1. Why didn’t the balloon pop immediately after you put the pin in it?

HOW DOES IT WORK? 

The balloon popping experiment works because of something called catastrophic crack propagation. Crack propagation occurs when the energy flow from the stress-strain field to the crack edge region is sufficient for supporting the processes leading to the merging of micro-separations with the main crack. 

This really complicated-sounding phrase means that the hole in the balloon widening is what makes it pop, not the fact that air is slowly being let out. When the balloon’s hole gets bigger, it rips, and eventually the balloon pops. In this experiment, the tape slows down this process.

Further exploration:

Today you learned about a surprising explanation for why balloons pop! You may have assumed that balloons pop because of air slowly being let out before today, but now you know that is not the case. Science is a great tool to understand what is really happening around us, outside of our assumptions!

Anticipated Concerns

Be careful with using the needle or push pin!

Looking for more fun at-home STEM activities for your young scientist? Check out our workbook full of exciting science experiments and empowering activities! 

Learn more and purchase today!