I've seen web vids of people using green lasers to pop balloons from a short distance. I've seen some 5mw, 532nm green laser pointers that run anywhere from $10-$20 on ebay. Would those be able to to do this? How close would I have to be to pop a balloon? Also, how does a 5mw differ from a 10 or a 15? Thanks.
2007-08-17 17:42:44 · 0 answers · asked by evilknightsword 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
According to the website of the currently-popular laser pointer manufacturer, it takes a 75mW laser to pop balloons, which is 15 times more powerful than that 5mW pointer on eBay. It will also cost you $160.
No 5mW, or even 15 mW, laser will do it. It just doesn't produce a high enough energy density in the beam to produce heat that can't be dissipated by the rubber. A 5 mW will make a spot that you can see - and not much else. A 15mW would make a spot that's perhaps more visible in daylight.
Incidentally, have you noticed that warning label they put on them? It doesn't take very much power to permanently blind you (or at least cause permanent "pinhole spot" vision loss) - from random reflections. So if you're playing with a laser that's much more powerful than 10 or 15 mW, remember to wear the dorky safety glasses that come with them.
2007-08-17 18:59:10 · answer #1 · answered by skeptik 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Laser That Pops Balloons
2016-12-29 16:23:41 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Laser That Can Pop Balloons
2016-11-08 04:35:39 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I honestly don't think you can buy a laser for $10-$20 that will pop a balloon at any distance at any rate why would you want to?
Yes there is a differance from a 5mw to a 10 to a 15...the amount of power each gives off....
2007-08-17 17:52:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need a laser with an output of at least 75mW. The balloon will have to be of a dark color, preferably black. Laser must be steady and hitting the same spot on the balloon to burst it. If in good working conditions, at this time I don't think it is possible to get a laser rated 75mW by less than 190US$.
The difference between laser of 5mW, 10mW, 15mW and any other output for that matter is that the intensity of the beam when projected on a surface will be higher for the 15mW than for the 5mW. Another difference is that you will be able to see the laser beam easier in a laser with higher output as more light will be dispersed or scattered by dust and other particles encountered by the laser beam on its path.
At nigh, even a 5mW green laser will display a nice beam when you point it at the sky. Astronomers use it to point at stars, galaxies and other celestial bodies when they gather at star parties to show people around where to look at in the sky for a particular object.
2007-08-17 19:10:20 · answer #5 · answered by timeton 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you google geek wish there is a website that sells cheap China lasers that pop balloons for 7$ my friend already ordered one
2016-02-04 13:18:46 · answer #6 · answered by Jacob 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋