According to experts, a balloon does not burst or pop when it is exposed to fire, and there is a scientific explanation for it.
The Fireproof Balloon Experiment specified in a Go Science Girls report can help people, especially kids, learn how heat is getting conducted through different materials. It is such a great activity to teach everyone about thermal conductivity.
In his video on TikTok, Steve Pangler also showed how a balloon is prevented from popping or bursting when put on fire.
@stevespangler Hold a balloon over fire...and it doesn't pop! #scienceexperiments #sciencemagic #stevespangler #science #experiment #learnontiktok ♬ original sound - @stevespangler
First, he blew the balloon, put it on fire, and eventually, it popped. Next, he got another balloon, put water in it, and blew it. When he put the second balloon on fire, it did not burst.
This simple experiment provides a better understanding of the difference between the thermal conductivity of water and air. More so, people will also learn about heat transfer in the air against water.
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When a balloon is filled with water, the latter absorbs the heat, stopping the balloon from melting.
What is Thermal Conductivity or Thermal Conduction?
A Khan Academy report explains thermal conduction using tile and carpet as examples. Specifically, it said, walking on bathroom tile during winter is aggravating since it feels quite colder than the carpet.
Certainly, this is interesting since both materials are typically at the same temperature as the house's temperature.
The different sensations felt are explained by the fact that different materials transfer heat at different rates. Essentially, tile and stone conduct heat more quickly than fabrics and carpet; thus, tile and stone feel colder during the winter since they transfer heat out of the foot quicker than the carpet does.
Good conductors of electricity in general, such as aluminum, gold, copper, and silver, are good heat conductors, as well, while the electricity's insulators, such as plastic, wood, and rubber, are poor heat conductors.
Balloon Filled with Air Vs. Balloon Filled with Water
According to Physics Central, there should be some weakness in the material for something to break or rip. Things are breaking since adequate energy is added to the material to break apart molecules' bonds or make a tiny defect get larger.
When a balloon fills with air and is held over a flame, it melts a bit, which means there is now a weak point in this particular object.
Meanwhile, the air inside the balloon is pushing hard on the melted portion, making the weakness larger, so the balloon pops.
When the balloon is filled with water, the latter absorbs the heat. This then stops the balloon from melting. Since there is no weak point, the balloon does not burst or pop.
Related information about thermal conductivity in balloon experiments is shown on Angles and Acid's YouTube video below:
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