The cool balloon has now decreased in volume more than the room temperature balloon. What would happen if I held the balloon over a heat source?
1 answer
If you hold the cool balloon over a heat source, such as a flame or a hot plate, the heat will cause the air molecules inside the balloon to gain energy and move faster. As a result, the increased kinetic energy of the molecules will cause them to collide more frequently and with greater force against the walls of the balloon. This increased pressure will cause the balloon to expand and increase in volume. If the heat is applied for a long enough period, it may cause the balloon to burst if the pressure becomes too great. Thus, holding the cool balloon over a heat source will cause it to increase in volume rather than decrease.