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To understand why balloons produce a bang, we must fist understand why they burst.

As balloons reach their maximum expansion, they get to a point where the latex cannot stretch anymore and gets stiff and resists any further stretching. This increase in stiffness will cause an increase in the air pressure inside the balloon just before bursting.


While the air pressure inside the balloon does not contain much potential energy, the latex does store terrific potential energy. The rapid release of the stored energy during the burst produces the resounding bang. 


More detailed explanation

When a balloon bursts, the latex splits into various pieces as cracks are developed. The speed of sound in the latex is much higher than the speed of sound in air. The speed of the crack propagation through the latex approaches the speed of sound in the latex. Therefore, the velocity of the crack-faces breaks the sound barrier in air and produces a sonic boom. The latex then violently contracts. The ends of the latex contract so rapidly that they break the sound barrier.

Just like the end of a bull-whip, they create a shock wave.

More the latex breaking the sound barrier, the bigger the bang. The faster the latex is going, the bigger the bang.


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Why the deflated balloon is lighter than a inflated balloon?

A deflated balloon is lighter than an inflated balloon because the air inside the inflated balloon adds weight to it. When the air is released, the balloon becomes lighter because it is no longer burdened by the added weight of the air molecules.


Would the air in an inflated balloon be potential energy?

Yes, the air in an inflated balloon has potential energy due to the elastic potential energy stored in the balloon's stretchy material. When the balloon is released, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the air rushes out.


Why does the balloon have more Why does the balloon have less mass when it is inflated?

When the balloon is inflated, it is filled with air, which has less mass than the solid material of the deflated balloon. So overall, the balloon has less mass when inflated because the mass of the air inside it is lighter than the solid material of the balloon.


How long will an air filled balloon stay inflated?

The duration an air-filled balloon stays inflated can vary based on factors such as the quality of the balloon, temperature, and air pressure. Under normal conditions, an air-filled balloon can stay inflated for several days to a week before starting to deflate.


What kind of energy is stored in a balloon?

Potential energy is stored in a balloon when it is inflated. This potential energy is in the form of compressed air inside the balloon, and is released as kinetic energy when the air is allowed to escape and the balloon moves.

Related Questions

Why the deflated balloon is lighter than a inflated balloon?

A deflated balloon is lighter than an inflated balloon because the air inside the inflated balloon adds weight to it. When the air is released, the balloon becomes lighter because it is no longer burdened by the added weight of the air molecules.


Would the air in an inflated balloon be potential energy?

Yes, the air in an inflated balloon has potential energy due to the elastic potential energy stored in the balloon's stretchy material. When the balloon is released, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the air rushes out.


What keeps air balloon inflated?

If you mean a hot air balloon, it is the expansion of the air caused by the propane burner. If you mean any balloon, it is the ability of the material to hold the air or gas inside which keeps it inflated.


What is the difference in the height of the balloon after ten minutes and the height of the balloon after sixty minutes?

There is no difference at all if the balloon is not inflated or inflated with air.


Why does the balloon have more Why does the balloon have less mass when it is inflated?

When the balloon is inflated, it is filled with air, which has less mass than the solid material of the deflated balloon. So overall, the balloon has less mass when inflated because the mass of the air inside it is lighter than the solid material of the balloon.


How long will an air filled balloon stay inflated?

The duration an air-filled balloon stays inflated can vary based on factors such as the quality of the balloon, temperature, and air pressure. Under normal conditions, an air-filled balloon can stay inflated for several days to a week before starting to deflate.


When an inflated balloon is exposed to cold air?

The volume of the balloon decreases


What kind of energy is stored in a balloon?

Potential energy is stored in a balloon when it is inflated. This potential energy is in the form of compressed air inside the balloon, and is released as kinetic energy when the air is allowed to escape and the balloon moves.


Which weighs more a deflated balloon or inflated balloon?

An inflated balloon weighs more than a deflated one because the air inside adds mass to the balloon. When the balloon is deflated, it contains less air or no air at all, resulting in less weight.


Why is the balloon inflated and staying that way?

The balloon is inflated and stays that way because it is filled with a gas, such as helium or air, that is less dense than the surrounding air. This causes the balloon to float and maintain its inflated shape due to the difference in pressure inside and outside the balloon.


Why do we close the mouth of an inflated balloon?

Closing the mouth of an inflated balloon helps to keep the air trapped inside. If the mouth is left open, the air can escape and deflate the balloon. Closing the mouth also helps to create pressure inside the balloon, keeping it inflated.


Why when you release an inflated but untied balloon does it fly across the room?

When an inflated but untied balloon is released, the air inside the balloon pushes against the walls of the balloon, propelling it forward. This creates a force that causes the balloon to move in the opposite direction. The unbalanced forces result in the balloon flying across the room.