Balloon Experiment: Inspiring Exploration of Thermodynamics
What happens when a balloon filled with warm air is placed inside a freezer?
A. Warmer air inside the balloon pushes on the walls of the balloon and the air escapes into the surroundings.
B. The warm air molecules inside the balloon lose energy to the cold air molecules, they move slower, and condense.
C. As the temperature drops, the warm air molecules gain energy and become more attracted to each other.
D. The balloon transfers energy to the cold air, and the cold air gains energy to compress the balloon.
Answer
The correct answer is B. The warm air molecules inside the balloon lose energy to the cold air molecules, they move slower, and condense.
When a balloon filled with warm air is placed inside a freezer, the warm air molecules lose energy to the cold air molecules, leading to a decrease in volume of the balloon and causing it to shrink.
This phenomenon is a fascinating example of thermodynamics in action. The transfer of energy from the warm air molecules to the cold air molecules demonstrates the principles of heat transfer and the behavior of gases under different temperatures.
By exploring such experiments, we gain a deeper understanding of the laws that govern our physical world. This simple balloon experiment serves as a reminder of the wonders of science and the beauty of uncovering the mysteries of nature.