Fireproof Balloon

Materials: ★☆☆ Easy to get from supermarket or hardware store
Difficulty: ★☆☆ Can be easily done by most teenagers
Safety: ★★☆ Some safety precautions required to perform safely

Categories: Heat

Alternative titles: Fire Water Balloon

Summary

A balloon filled with only air bursts quickly when exposed to a flame, but a balloon containing water can withstand the heat.

Procedure

Blow up one balloon with air only and tie it off.
Light a tea light candle or small candle with adult supervision.
Hold the air-filled balloon carefully over the flame and observe—it pops quickly.
Fill a second balloon with some cold water, then blow it up and tie it off.
Slowly lower the water-filled balloon toward the flame. Observe that it does not pop.

Links

Fireproof Balloon Science Experiment - Kids Fun Science:

Fire Water Balloon - Sick Science!:

📄 Fireproof Balloon - Steve Spangler: https://stevespangler.com/experiments/fire-water-balloon/

Variations

None

Safety Precautions

Adult supervision required—this experiment involves open flames.
Keep hair, loose clothing, and flammable materials away from the flame.
Perform over a tray or sink to contain spills if the balloon bursts.
Do not hold the balloon too close to your face when lowering it over the flame.

Questions to Consider

Why does the air-only balloon pop so quickly?
How does the water prevent the balloon from popping immediately?
What other substances might absorb heat like water?
How does this experiment demonstrate the concept of heat transfer?