Balloon Inside A Flask
Description: A flask containing a small amount of boiling water is sealed with a balloon over its mouth. As the flask cools, the balloon is drawn into the flask.
This demonstration is also available on video and JCE “Chemistry Comes Alive!” Vol.2 CD-Rom
Source: Institute for Chemical Education, Fun With Chemistry: A Guidebook of K-12 Activities, Vol. 1
Year: 1991 Vol: 1 Page: 155
Keywords: Balloon, Boiling water, Temperature, Pressure, Flask
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Breakage hazard
- Latex sensitivity
- Burn hazard
- Electric shock hazard
- Scald hazard
Effectiveness: Average
- Results are observable with guidance
- Mild effects are seen by audience
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Time to results is medium
- Moderate failure rate
Difficulty: Medium
- Careful manipulations required
- Simple procedures
- Demo at non-standard conditions
- Some intermediate steps to results
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Thermal gloves recommended
- Absorbent materials on hand
- Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Use temperature resistant surface
Class: Intermolecular Forces, Gases
Division: General
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