Mechanics > Applications of Newton's Laws > Pressure

DCS# 1K30.20

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BALLOON ON A BED OF NAILS

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APPARATUS

three arrays of nails	202-13-D
wooden frame	202-13-D
three balloons	202-14-D2
1/2 kg masses	202-04-E

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DESCRIPTION

Place a bed of nails in the frame. The blocks have 1, 4, or 16 nails.  With the balloon in the frame, gently lower the top onto the balloon. Add weights until the balloon pops.  Compare the weight needed to pop the balloon on one nail to that for four and sixteen.

If using 12" balloons inflated to about 9" diameter, the top of the wooden frame will pop the balloon on one nail.  The balloon on sixteen nails will support about 8 kg.