4E10.30 • Air Expansion/Contraction
Location: Cabinet 10
Photo shows the demonstration used at the University of Texas at Austin
Left: air expansion; right: air contractionConcepts Conveyed:
- Air expansion (thermal expansion): increase in tempearture results in a subsequent increase in volume of air - balloon expands in the hot water.
- Air contraction: decrease in temperature results in a subsequent decrease in volume of air - balloon deflates in ice water.
Instructions/Notes:
- Boil water using water boiling device. After this is done, pour water in one bowl and ice water into the other bowl. Make sure both bowls are on their stands and secure.
- Place balloon on the water bottle top.
- To observe thermal expansion, submerge the balloon-water bottle apparatus into the hotwater - the balloon with inflate.
- To observe thermal contraction, submerge the balloon-water bottle apparatus into the ice water - the balloon will deflate.
- Note: it is best to begin with air expansion.
Demo Staff:
- Ensure glass bowls are secure on their stands.
- Work carefully when pouring the hot water into the glass bowl!
Last updated on October 28, 2025