My Science School

We’ve all played with balloons at some point in our lives, haven't we? Their different colours, sizes and even the various forms that they can take draw one and all. What's more, they aren't limited to decorations and recreational activities but also play a role in monitoring the weather and providing transportation among many other uses. It is the stretchiness of balloons that enables them to contribute in myriad ways.

Elasticity

Did you know that it was animal bladders or intestines that were used to make some of the first balloons? Thankfully, we have moved away from these and balloons today are largely made of latex rubber and nylon fabric.

Most materials used consist of polymers, an important ingredient for balloons. These polymers straighten out when extended and pull back together when let go. Thus, they are responsible both for the balloon's tensile strength and their ability to return to normal shape afterwards.

Breaking point

There is, however, a limit to the elastic nature as well. This can be best illustrated with the help of blowing a balloon. When you blow a little air, it balloons and then regains its shape when you let the air out. But in case you blow more air and it stretches a lot, it does not regain its original form even after the air is let out.

And of course, we know what happens at breaking point. If we keep on blowing too much air into it the material making up the balloon ruptures at breaking point and the balloon bursts!

Picture Credit : Google