Balloons and Coins

 

Code Number: 3C20.43

Demo Title: Coin in a Balloon

Condition: Good

Principle: Frequency of Sound Waves

Area of Study: Oscillations &Acoustics

Equipment: 

Balloons, Quarters or Dimes.

Procedure:

Put a dime or a quarter in a balloon.  Blow the balloon up and tie it off.  Rotate the balloon so that the coin starts to travel in a circle inside the balloon.  The edges of the coin on the balloon will create a sound whose frequency depends on the velocity of the coin inside the balloon.

References:

  • Bobby Mercer, "Rubber Maraca", Junk Drawer Physics, p. 69.