With their colors and the possibility of floating in the air, balloons are one of the things that most surprises and dazzles the little ones. It is not by chance that they continue to be, over the years, an almost indisputable element in the decoration of many birthdays, regardless of age.
Also, when filled with helium, the balloons gain the ability to fly; being a challenge for the little ones to avoid releasing them outdoors. Some people, at parties or in their own home, use this to achieve a colorful and youthful decoration.
But doing so is not at all an easy option to achieve nor is it very economical. In this note you will learn a very simple technique to make your balloons also float, but without spending a lot of money.
In addition, you can do it with the little ones and enjoy, together, a moment of experimentation, and fun!
- Vinegar (half glass)
- Baking soda (4 teaspoons)
- A plastic bottle
- Funnel
- balloons
- Safety glasses (in case the balloon bursts)
Before you begin, put on your safety glasses.
1. Put the vinegar inside the bottle.
2. Use the funnel to place the baking soda inside the uninflated balloon.
3. Place the mouth of the balloon on the top of the bottle, making sure that the baking soda does not enter it yet.
4. When it is well placed, take the balloon and let the baking soda fall on the vinegar little by little.
You will see how the balloon begins to inflate!
5. Remove it when you have taken the size you like best and tie it at the end like any other.
When bicarbonate (base) and vinegar (acid) come together, a chemical reaction is generated that produces an effervescence. This emits a gas (carbon dioxide) and that will cause the balloon to inflate and rise, as it would if it had helium inside.
When bubbles stop being produced by effervescence, the chemical reaction ends and the balloon will stop inflating.