Fire Proof Balloon

Can’t stand the heat?

 

 

 

Category - Heat & Temperature

Key Idea - Specific Heat

 

Purpose - A great way to show the absorption of heat by water. 

A balloon is heated.
Nature -  Demonstration
Materials -  A balloon, water, matches or candle
Method - 
  1. Place about 50 ml of water into the balloon, then inflate it the rest of the way with air and tie off. 
  2. Light a match or candle and hold it under the balloon, directly under the puddle of water, you should find that the balloon does not burst.
Safety - Care with a flame
Explanation - Water has a very high specific heat.  The water absorbs most of the heat applied to the balloon, stopping the rubber from weakening and letting go.
Notes - I like to present this by having two balloons already inflated before the demo; one with just air, the other with the water as well. I then show the students the two balloons, and burst the first one with the match. I then try again with the second.