Pressure in Star-Shaped Balloon: Fact or Fiction?

  • Thread starter nanoWatt
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Balloon
In summary, the pressure inside a container is always equal at all points, regardless of the shape. Adding more air may result in a slight temperature change, but this change is typically too small to be measured. The pressure is higher at the points where air is being added, but this does not mean that the pressure is concentrated at those points. Pressure is distributed equally throughout the container.
  • #1
nanoWatt
88
2
I was wondering,

In a star shaped balloon, isn't the pressure inside the same in the center as it is in the smaller edges?

But let's say I also add some more air. As the air is being pumped in, wouldn't the pressure momentarily be higher in the points. If so, wouldn't their temperature be slightly higher because of thermodynamic principles?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The pressure inside a container is always equal at all points. There will be a slight temperature change as air is added, but I doubt that any normal equipment could measure it.
 
  • #3
As air is added, the pressure is higher where the air is being added (because the air is flowing), but as Danger said, the difference is typically negligible.

Your choice of example implies to me that you may think pressure can somehow be concentrated by the points. That's not how pressure works.
 
Last edited:

1. Is it true that pressure in a star-shaped balloon increases with the number of points?

This is a commonly asked question and the answer is yes, the pressure in a star-shaped balloon does increase with the number of points. This is because the number of points on the balloon create smaller, more confined spaces for the air inside to occupy, resulting in a higher pressure.

2. Can the pressure in a star-shaped balloon cause it to burst?

Yes, if the pressure inside the balloon becomes too high, it can cause the balloon to burst. This is why it is important to properly inflate a balloon and not overfill it, especially if it is a star-shaped balloon with multiple points.

3. Does the material of the balloon affect the pressure inside?

The material of the balloon can have an impact on the pressure inside, but it is not the determining factor. The shape and size of the balloon play a bigger role in determining the pressure.

4. How does the temperature affect the pressure in a star-shaped balloon?

Temperature does have an effect on the pressure inside a balloon. As the temperature increases, the molecules of air inside the balloon become more energetic and move faster, resulting in a higher pressure. Similarly, a decrease in temperature can lower the pressure inside the balloon.

5. Is it safe to fill a star-shaped balloon with helium instead of air?

Yes, it is safe to fill a star-shaped balloon with helium instead of air. Helium is a lighter gas than air, so the pressure inside the balloon will be lower compared to if it were filled with air. However, it is important to note that helium can still cause a balloon to burst if it is overfilled.

Similar threads

Flow of air through an open tube with a balloon
    • Mechanics
Replies
9
Views
2K
Pressure differences in a leaking vacuum vessel
    • Mechanics
Replies
17
Views
9K
Understanding Surface Tension: Laplace's Law and Balloon Experiment Explained
    • Mechanics
Replies
2
Views
1K
Pressure of captured air under water
    • Mechanics
Replies
12
Views
2K
Is blowing up a balloon a great analogy for Avogadro's Law?
    • Mechanics
Replies
2
Views
2K
Negative pressure from vacuum to shunt a object upwards?
    • Mechanics
Replies
2
Views
938
How does a Western free reed work? (musical instruments)
    • Mechanics
Replies
12
Views
2K
B Beware of "truthiness" in astronomy in seemingly reliable websites
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
21
Views
1K
I Balloon experiment - Classical Physics vs. Statistical Physics
    • Classical Physics
Replies
16
Views
865
Venturi Effect based thought experiment
    • Mechanical Engineering
2
Replies
58
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top