How Empty Is an Empty Bottle?

Here's how.

Active Time

10-20 minutes

Total Project Time

10-20 minutes

Key Concepts

Bernoulli’s principle, air pressure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T36Th5UPb3I

Introduction

Did you know that airplanes and sound have something in common? Can you guess what it might be? Air pressure! It is fascinating how air—something that is so fluid and invisible—can power an amazing number of fascinating phenomena. In this activity you will use your own breath to blow a small paper ball into an empty bottle. It sounds simple, but is it? Try it out and see for yourself!

Credits

Sabine De Brabandere, PhD, Science Buddies

This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.

Next: Materials

Materials

A four-by-four-inch piece of printer paper
Plastic wide-mouth bottle, roughly 500 to 800 mL (If you need to use bottles with a regular opening, use a two-by-four-inch piece of paper to create the ball .)
Table or other flat surface
Helper
Optional: Small balls
Optional: Other bottles or jars
Optional: Drinking straw