Carbon Dioxide in Balloons

Most recent answer: 10/29/2016

Q:
I'm doing this project where I mix sodium bicarbonate with acetic aid but my friend told me that it will b harder to pop after the balloon is inflated with carbon dioxide. If it does, why? What is the carbon dioxide's role when one tries to pop it?
- Jaqueline Hernandez (age 14)
Houston, Texas
A:

I've filled balloons with CO2 generated by baking soda and vinegar. I never noticed that they were hard to pop, and I can't think of any particular reason why they would be. When you try the experiment, please follow up to let is know what you find.

Mike W.


(published on 10/29/2016)