Balloon and Candle Experiment

Balloon and Candle Experiment

Aim

Investigate what happens when you put a balloon into a candle flame.

Equipment

Balloons

Candle

Matches

Ruler

Water

Diagram

Draw a labelled picture of the experiment

Method  - Part 1

First blow up the balloon.  Next light the candle with a match.  Hold the balloon high above the burning candle.  Slowly lower the balloon so that it gets closer to the burning flame.  Keep lowering the balloon until you notice something.

Observe closely

Predict what might happen?

Part 2

Try this experiment a second time but change one variable.  Half fill another balloon with water then lower this water balloon into a candle flame to see what happens.

Results  (report what happened)

When the first balloon was about 7 cm above the candle flame the balloon burst.  There was a bang, the candle flame went out and there was a smell of smoke.

When the water balloon was lowered on to the flame the balloon did not burst.  Something black collected on the base of the balloon but this was easily rubbed off.  We even put the base of the balloon into the flame and it did not burst!

Conclusion

(explain why the first balloon burst and why the second balloon did not burst)