What you need:
Step 1: Blow up a balloon and tie it, not too big otherwise the plastic will not be thick enough.
Step 2: Get a skewer and pour vegetable oil on the tip and sides.
Step 3: Poke the skewer at the bottom where the plastic is thicker (the tips of the balloon). Then go right ahead and poke it right through to the other side.
(Through where the plastic is thickest - Next to the tie and the nipple end)
- 1 skewer
- Vegetable oil
- 1 Balloon
Step 1: Blow up a balloon and tie it, not too big otherwise the plastic will not be thick enough.
Step 2: Get a skewer and pour vegetable oil on the tip and sides.
Step 3: Poke the skewer at the bottom where the plastic is thicker (the tips of the balloon). Then go right ahead and poke it right through to the other side.
(Through where the plastic is thickest - Next to the tie and the nipple end)
How does this happen?
The balloon plastic layer is called latex. Under a microscope it shows lots of long chains of molecules these are called polymers. These polymers are stretchy which is why the ballon can be blown up. When we pierced through the strands wrapped around the skewer. We chose the ends of the balloon because they had little tension unlike say the middle which is fragile. As for the oil it lets the skewer slide in easily and helps seal the hole.
I know this experiment is quite complex and hard to grasp and if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us here. - Contact the Squid
Make this an experiment
The "experiment" above is actually a demonstration. To make it a real experiment try to answer questions.
The balloon plastic layer is called latex. Under a microscope it shows lots of long chains of molecules these are called polymers. These polymers are stretchy which is why the ballon can be blown up. When we pierced through the strands wrapped around the skewer. We chose the ends of the balloon because they had little tension unlike say the middle which is fragile. As for the oil it lets the skewer slide in easily and helps seal the hole.
I know this experiment is quite complex and hard to grasp and if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us here. - Contact the Squid
Make this an experiment
The "experiment" above is actually a demonstration. To make it a real experiment try to answer questions.
- Would baby oil work?
- Would this work with helium?
- Would this work with no oil?
Hints & tips
When the skewer goes through the balloon air will start to go out, slowly but surely, making it shrink in size so pop it after you show them as a little surprise ending!
When the skewer goes through the balloon air will start to go out, slowly but surely, making it shrink in size so pop it after you show them as a little surprise ending!