BALLOON SPEAKERS

Use a Balloon to Amplify Sound

Use a Balloon to Amplify Sound

Small sounds can still make a big noise when you use a good sound conductor. Experiment with a balloon, compressed air and your own ears to find out how it works and the science behind it.

Equipment:

• Balloon

Procedure:

1. Blow up the balloon.

2. Hold the balloon close to your ear while you tap lightly on the other side.

What's happening?

Please consider the following inquiry questions to guide you in this task - try not to answer the questions directly but rather use them to come up with your own investigation.

What happens when you tap lightly on the balloon?

When you blew up the balloon, what might have been happening to the inside of the balloon?

What is the cause of this amplification and conduction?

Could you explain the role of the air molecules inside the balloon?

What else have you noticed?