Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Could you please tell me how do we graph the results of how temperature affect maximum size of balloon inflation. He has decided on how he is going to conduct his experiment, however we are stumped as to how to include the results in a graph for the fair. He was out of school for a month due to him being sick and missed alot of the information. We need help as soon as possible because the project is due next month.

I presume the experiment involves filling the balloon, then exposing it to different temperatures (oven, refrigerator). The easiest thing to measure might be maximum circumference, using a cloth tape. Then the plot would be circumference vs. temperature.

I agree with paul (our project idea related to this topic also says to measure the largest section). You can also check out our resources on graphing and analysis:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ysis.shtml


I assume you are already using our write up for this project idea, but if not, here it is: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p077.shtml

Good luck and let us know if you have more questions.

We found several ideas as to how to conduct the experiment such as putting the balloons over empty bottles and placing them in hot, cold and room temp water. Is this a better option with graphing the results rather than putting a balloon in the oven. Thank you so much with all of your help.

If you look at the project idea link that I posted in my previous post, it gives you a few ideas for places that would be hot or cold (the inside of a car that is setting out in the sun for example). I don't think the oven would work very well, as it might be too small, and the sides might get so hot that the balloon would pop if it touched the sides. You could also burn yourself pretty easily if you set the temperature too high. I think paul was referring to very small balloons and gave some ideas of hot/cold temperatures off the top of his head.