Do you know how to put a skewer through a balloon ? It’s surprisingly easy.
What you’ll need to push a skewer through a balloon
Washing up liquid/Dish soap
Skewer – take care these are sharp
Balloon – experiment with different size and shaped balloons
First we tried using vaseline rubbed on the skewer and the balloon, but although we could get the skewer in, the balloon always popped on the way out.
We tried again using washing up liquid and it worked!
You need to pierce the balloon through the bottom and top where the rubber is thickest, and then push the skewer slowly but firmly into the balloon.
Top tip for pushing a skewer through a balloon
Poke the skewer through the part of the balloon where the balloon material is under the least strain, this is generally the two ends.
How does it work?
Balloons are made up from long chains of molecules called polymers, which are elastic enough to allow the balloon to stretch. A balloon is made up of molecule chains called polymers. The dish soap reduces surface tension on the balloon helping the skewer pierce it.
The polymer chains of the balloon close around the skewer which stops the air escaping and allows the balloon to stay inflated.
Try piercing the ends of the balloon first as this is where the balloon is under the least strain and so strongest.
Where would you pierce the balloon if you wanted it to pop?
More Easy Science Magic Tricks
HELEN
March 19, 2013 at 1:38 pmthat’s great – I think I will have to use this to impress the kids!
Susan
March 19, 2013 at 4:12 pmHow cool is that? Balancing the skewer through the balloon. Thank you for sharing our video and your cool version of it.
Laliv
March 19, 2013 at 4:53 pmVery impressive! Thanks for sharing some great ideas.
alex
March 20, 2013 at 2:56 pmoh, my kids LOVE this experiment, we’ve done it as well! We’ve even pushed the skewer all the way through! http://blog.anportraits.com/2012/03/19/stick-balloon-fun-seattle-area-lifestyle-photographer/
Emily
March 20, 2013 at 10:01 pmCan’t wait to impress the kids with this! Xx
Mum of One
March 21, 2013 at 8:56 amThat is amazing! Love it!
Emma
March 23, 2013 at 10:24 amOne that my Six year old will adore, very clever! Thank you! 🙂
maggy, red ted art
March 24, 2013 at 7:51 pmOoh I remember doing this as a “party trick” as a child. You do bring back some brilliant memories!
Cat (Yellow Days)
March 26, 2013 at 3:06 pmHow clever. I fear I could get through quite a few balloons trying to perfect this.
ScienceSparks
April 2, 2013 at 4:55 pmyes, we did 🙂
Gary Johnston
April 3, 2013 at 2:47 amGreat experiment!