My PBL Project

Procedure

To see if we can positively answer this question we must test out the experiment.

1) To begin, we must place all the nails in the wooden "bed"

that holds them tightly to secure them.

2) Next, we must place the "bed of nails" atop the wooden base which is

used for to the second block of wood which will add pressure

once the balloon is placed atop the bed of nails.

3) Next, we must blow up our balloon and place it on top of the bed

of nails, ensuring that once weight will be added, the

balloon's weight will be distributed evenly.

4) Finally, we can place the second wooden base atop the balloon resting

on the bed of nails and add as much weight as we desire!

*Remember!: Too much weight at one time might pop the balloon

right away, ensure that you place the weight generously.

Scientific Principle

The reason that the balloon does not pop, is because the pressure being applied to the balloon, is evenly distributed against the nails below the balloon. Pressure is a force, and its formula can be written as, P=F/A. This can also be read as the "pressure is equal to the quotient of the force exerted, and the surface area it is pushed upon," therefore showing that pressure, is dependent on the amount of force being applied, and also the surface area the force is being applied onto. In the case of the balloon and the bed of nails, the amount of weight added above the balloon, in my case some books, acts as the force pushing against our object, the balloon. When the amount of force is pushed against the bed of nails, or the surface area in which the force is applied, the pressure is changed from what it was originally, when there was no extra force acting on it. When the pressure is evenly distributed across the bed of nails, the balloon does not pop, whereas if the balloon was pushed against one single nail, all of the balloon's force is pushed against a small spot of surface area, not sparing the balloon from popping. The bed of nails acts as a sort of cushion, keeping the balloon from popping immediately. Kind of like when a person goes crowd surfing: one person would not be able to hose them up above their heads all by themselves, but with the help of others, the person can aimlessly float among and through the crowd.

Safety Procedures

To ensure that no one hurts themselves while conducting the experiment, there are some safety procedures that must be followed to see that no one does in fact get hurt, and ensure that everyone can experience the experiment safely.

The nails that are used in this experiment are very very sharp, and anyone conducting this experiment should be very cautious of them, as they can pierce the skin, and hurt very badly.

To make sure that these things do not occur, everyone handling the nails should make sure that they are very cautious when handling the nails. Everyone should make sure to always walk with the nails facing away from the eyes, body, or others.

Also, when applying pressure to the balloon, ensure that you do so with the wooden block and weights, not with your hand, as if the balloon were to pop, your could seriously hurt your hand pretty badly.

Materials

1) Nails

2) Bed of Nails Template

3) Wooden Bases

4) Balloons

5) Weights or a type of weight such

as books, an object, etc.