TOPIC:

ID Code: F2-13
Purpose: Conundrum involving weight of an expanding balloon.
Description: A flask containing vinegar is connected to a balloon containing baking powder. This system is balanced with a collection of weights on a pan balance as shown in the photograph above. The balloon is raised up so the baking powder falls into the vinegar, commencing a reaction that produces carbon dioxide and inflates the balloon. When the balloon becomes inflated, what happens to the balance? Will the balloon side go down, will the weight side go down, or will it remain balanced?

Below are the before and after pictures for this experiment using an electronic balance, showing the weight in grams and tenths (of force), eg. 261.7g down to 258.4g for the balloon expanding to a diameter of about 7 inches.



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