Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: chris on 02/03/2012 15:26:47

Title: What makes a balloon go bang?
Post by: chris on 02/03/2012 15:26:47

When a balloon bursts it goes pop, quite violently. Why?

Title: Re: What makes a balloon go bang?
Post by: CliffordK on 02/03/2012 18:47:00

Rubber balloons are pressurized inside.
Mylar balloons are not.

Many materials are quite strong, until a tear is started, and then the tear weakens the material.  Then the pressure inside causes this defect to expand quickly, and the balloon pops.

Incidentally, both ends of the balloon are thicker material than the rest of the balloon.  It is possible to push a needle through the thicker part of the balloon without bursting it.  And a long enough needle can be threaded through both ends of the balloon.

Title: Re: What makes a balloon go bang?
Post by: Geezer on 02/03/2012 20:25:13

The "pop" is just like any other explosion. It's caused by the supersonic compression of the air that was surrounding the balloon when the baloon suddenly fails - at least I think it is!