Two Balloon Surprise - Neatorama

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This surprised me. What happens when you connect two balloons, one blown up much bigger than the other? I thought for sure they would equalize. Doesn’t air rush out harder from a fully-inflated balloon than from a partially-inflated balloon? Even the explanation puzzles me. Are there any scientists around who could explain more thoroughly? -via Dark Roasted Blend

Comments (27)

Newest 5

Newest 5 Comments

big balloon=more space (less dense)
vs.
little balloon=less space (more dense)

obviously the air would escape from a more dense container to a less dense one to balance out.

I'm not a scientist but I certainly hope this explanation make more sense :)

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Small balloon has higher pressure than larger balloon, therefore air is forced into larger balloon. What's hard to understand about that?

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It's nothing to do with the balloon itself, and everything to do with internal (not external) pressures. You can observe the same effect with soap bubbles.

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Mr. Wizard did explain this on one of his shows many years ago

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Here's how I see it: The surface area of a sphere is given by 4(pi)r^2 whereas the volume is given by (4/3)(pi)r^3. Therefore, as the balloon gets bigger, the volume increases FASTER than the surface area by a factor of r. Since the rate at which air enters the balloon is constant, there is more and more room for air, so the density will DECREASE. So the smaller the balloon, the higher the density of air.

Hope this helps!

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It's a game of Frogger! ..with a little less splat.

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Yes; while there a couple of years ago we were told to essentially: 1) close our eyes and, 2) walk at a constant pace NO MATTER WHAT. 2) allows the millions of scooters to anticipate and avoid you as you cross. 1) is the only thing that allows for 2). Ear plugs and a rosary help, too.

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My kids can do that. It's a useful life skill all over the world.

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Reminds me of when I was stationed in Naples Italy many years ago. The key was to watch the vehicles out of the corner of your eye. Then just step out into the traffic. If a driver makes eye contact they will not stop. First few times were fairly tough on the nerves but it got real easy after some practice. The drivers always stopped just in time with no horns blaring. That in itself was strange for Neapolitans! GGG

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It looks fake to me; the focus is way too sharp on the guy, the colors too vibrant; just doesn't look right.

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I agree that it must be a fake. I've never experienced anything like this so it can't be real. It is very colourful and sharp and he is a caucasian which is the real give away. It's Vietnam! No Europeans have ever been there! Not to mention the pixels. Someone has spent a lot of time and energy faking this. Who cares why? I can now continue my life secure in the knowledge that things I am incapable of imagining can't exist. Phew!

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That's how we cross the street in the Philippines. But that talent does not translate to crossing the street here in the US. People freak out when you attempt to cross in the same manner.

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