2006-11-21 09:02:38 · 8 answers · asked by BeatyIsInTheEyesOfTheBeholder 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
The air inside a balloon is exerting pressure on the outside of the balloon. When the air escapes, that pressure is concentrated in one direction. the fast moving air near the opening strengthens pressure on the current of air, and so it pushes the balloon forward. This is also expressed in Newton's Third Law of Motion.
2006-11-21 09:05:24 · answer #1 · answered by merviedz trespassers 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have an inflated balloon with no air escaping, the air inside the balloon pushes equally in all directions on the inside of the balloon, and all the forces cancel so the balloon does not accelerate. Now if you allow air to escape from one side, there is no force (or a reduced force) on the hole. In that case, the forces do not cancel and there is a net force in the forward direction, causing the balloon to accelerate. All this is true whether or not there is surrounding air, so it works in the air or in space. A rocket is similar---the combustion chamber is like a balloon that is constantly being re-filled by the burning gasses.
2016-05-22 09:56:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When the compressed air forcefully leaves the balloon, it imparts thrust on the balloon equal to the amount of force it spent in leaving.
2006-11-21 09:05:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
imagine the balloon as a jet or boat. The air coming out the back propels the balloon across the room since it leaves at a high velocity.
2006-11-21 09:05:03 · answer #4 · answered by rjb0620 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Physics. For every action there is an equal but opposite reaction.
ie. The air goes one way, the balloon goes the other.
2006-11-21 09:11:11 · answer #5 · answered by hikerboy3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sudden force of the air pushes the balloon forward, the smaller the hole the bigger the force.
2006-11-21 09:06:02 · answer #6 · answered by newsies62 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
conservation of momentum.
Air goes one way, Balloon goes the other.
2006-11-21 09:06:03 · answer #7 · answered by k_e_p_l_e_r 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Newtons 3rd law of motion. For every motion there is an equal and opsite motion.
2006-11-21 09:08:08 · answer #8 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋