This science project is literally cool as it uses cold water or room temperature H20 and some balloons to complete the experiment. In this demonstration you will use a balloon and expose it to the heat of a candle flame.
This project was done by a group of girls and they loved the activity, however, it can be done by a 7th grade student or as an 8th grade science experiment. You can call it a middle school demonstration since both grades should achieve success with this project.
Before you do this you will need the supervision of a parent or adult and they may actually want to hold the balloon over the flame and light the matches and candles for you. Please use caution when using matches and candles.
The materials needed for the demonstration:
· 2 balloons
· Water
· Matches
· A tapered candle in a holder
Here are the Instructions for the experiment:
Light the candle with the match.
Blow up the first balloon and tie the end. Hold the balloon over the candle flame. You may want to cover your eyes with protective goggles. This balloon will pop and does so very quickly. Relight the candle with another match. Fill up the other balloon with water. It does not matter what temperature the water is. Tie the end of this water filled balloon.
Hold this over the candle flame. What is happening? You will notice the balloon does not pop like the other balloon. The flame is not hurting the balloon skin. Why does the balloon not pop? The water is absorbing the heat and doing so very quickly that it avoids damaging the balloon or melting it in any way. You will notice some black debris on the outside of the balloon. This is just carbon emitted from the candle flame burning. It can easily be wiped off with a damp paper towel.
Here is an explanation of why the water keeps the second balloon from popping. It is protecting the balloon and keeping it cool enough to not allow it to break. Do a little research before you demonstrate this to your audience about the actual heat coming from the flame and why and how the water can absorb the heat even though the balloon is the actual material touching the surface of the candle flame.
This is another cool science project idea for your next fair experiment.