Balloon rocket

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A balloon rocket is a rubber balloon filled with air or other gases. Besides being simple
toys, balloon rockets are a widely used as a teaching device to demonstrate basic physics.
[1][2]

Contents
1 How it works
2 In physics
3 Rocket balloon
4 As cartoon gags
5 References
6 External links

How it works
To launch a simple rocket, the untied opening of an inflated balloon is released. The
elasticity of the balloon contracts the air out through the opening with sufficient force and
the resulting pressure creates a thrust which propels the balloon forward as it deflates. It is
usual for the balloon to be propelled somewhat uncontrollably (or fly in and unstable centre
of mass, as well as turbulence that occur in the opening as the air escapes, causing it to flap
rapidly and disperses air outwards in random direction.

Near the end of its deflation, the balloon may suddenly shoot quickly in the air shortly
before it drops down, due to the rubber rapidly squeezes out the remaining air inside as it
reaches the inclination to return to its uninflated size.

The flight altitude only amounts to some metres, with larger or lighter balloons often
achieving longer flights. In addition, a cylindrical-shaped (or "airship") balloon may have a
more stable flight when released.

If the balloon is inflated with helium or other lighter than air gases, it tends to fly in an
inclined trajectory (usually going upwards), due to the light nature of the gas.

In physics
The balloon rocket can be used easily to demonstrate simple physics, namely Newtons
third law of motion.[3]
A common experiment with a balloon rocket consists in adding other objects such as a
string or fishing line, a drinking straw and adhesive tape to the balloon itself. The string is
threaded through the straw and is attached at both ends to fixed objects. The straw is then
taped to the side of the inflated balloon, with the mouth of the balloon touching the object it
is pointed. When the balloon is released, it propels itself along the length of the string.
Alternatively, a balloon rocket car can be built.[4]

Rocket balloon

A rocket balloon without its pump attached

There are also dedicated toy known as a rocket balloon, usually tubular-shaped and
inflated with a special pump (pictured above). These balloons, when released, propels in a
more proper direction it is pointed at because of a steadier thrust of air and elongated shape,
unlike ordinary round balloons which often launched uncontrollably. Aside from the shape,
rocket balloons are also characterized by its distinctive loud buzzing or screaming noises
due to the tight, reed-like opening designed to make noise the air pressure rushes through.

It is also known as noisemaker balloons, due to the aforementioned noise

As cartoon gags
The fact that an untied toy balloon flies away when released sometimes has become a staple
recurring gag and comedic effect in most cartoons.

For instance, when an object or a character is comically being "inflated" and then deflates,
it flies away uncontrollably, in a similar fashion to a balloon itself

Another example, is when a character rides a hot-air balloon, a blimp, or similar object,
then it crashes or something damages the balloon, it will also deflate and comically flying
away erratically at times.[citation needed]

In addition, the noises that a balloon creates when deflating is sometimes used in
conjunction with this comedic effect.
References
1.

://www.nasa.gov/pdf/58269main_Rockets.Guide.pdf NASA Office of Education.

Rockets: A Teachers Guide witphysical principles and the functioning of a rocket engine
[httph Activities in Science, Mathematics, and Technology. EG-1999-06-108-HQ]
Zimmerman Jones, Andrew. "Collect your materials for the rocket balloon". How to
Create a Rocket Balloon. About:Physics. Retrieved 2007-04-29.
Summer Science Newsletter: Building a balloon rocket car