Pressure-tension Equilibrium Balloons

Challenge students with this pressure vs tension demonstration!

Equilibrium, air pressure, tension

To demonstrate equilibrium and the effects of tension in a balloon on the air pressure inside

Stand with valves and balloons Bicycle pump

Attach bicycle pump valve to the stand valves and pump air into the balloons as shown in the images below Remove the bicycle pump valve and the air will remain in the balloons Open the center valve and observe what happens

Ensure center valve is closed before pumping air into the balloons Replace balloons if they are damaged or too elastic. If you inflate one balloon past a certain large volume the tension will decrease enough such that the opposite effect is observed. The bicycle pump can be found with the carts near the elevator

Updated on: Jan 17 2017