Balloon Barometer

 

Code Number: 2B35.45

Demo Title: Balloon Barometer

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Air Pressure

Area of Study: Fluids

Equipment:

2-liter bottle with the bottom cut out, 9-12" balloon.

Procedure:

Insert the balloon into the bottle before you blow it up and poke the neck of the balloon through the neck of the bottle.  Stretch the balloon as you blow it up in the bottle and blow it up until 2 or 3" extend out the end of the bottle.  Changing altitude by several thousand feet will cause the balloon volume to expand or contract by a measurable quantity.

References:

  • Bing-Hong Ku, Chyong-Sun Chen, "The Jar Magic - Instructional Activities for Teaching Air Pressure", TPT, Vol. 51, # 9, Dec. 2013, p. 557.
  • John C. Salzsieder, "Atmospheric Pressure Indicator", TPT, Vol. 33, # 4, p. 224, 1995.
  • Chu E-qing,  "A Demonstration to Show the Variation of Atmospheric Pressure with Height",  TPT, Vol. 24, # 6, p.  354, September 1986.
  • Janice VanCleave, "7, Barometer", Teaching the Fun of Physics, p. 18.