If you put a balloon that has copper wire attached to it into an electrical circuit and close the switch, what makes the balloon pop when the switch was pushed? Explain?
2007-02-15 09:07:19 · 2 answers · asked by untilyoucamealong04 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Obviously a short circuit. If you attach the switch leg and the nuetral leg to a balloon, the balloon which is rubber or a synthetic equivalent will not conduct the current.
When you energize the switch, the current has no return path via the nuetral(ground) so the air within the balloon becomes heated and pops.
2007-02-16 01:29:52 · answer #1 · answered by icd1765 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I admit I'm guessing:
1: Heat. As a result of the alternating current.and the magnetic field building and collapsing through each cycle.
2. Vibration, also as a result of the alternating current thorogh the copper wire.
or perhaps some combination. OR
A new theory. The alternating current changes electron charges at a rate of 60 cycles/second. Balloons are notoriously good at accepting electrons (guess what's flowing) and their charge. My new and improved guess is that the balloon's surface cannot keep up with the constatn realignment of electrons. Kaboom.
2007-02-15 09:21:15 · answer #2 · answered by Isaac 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋