Advertisment
Discovery Homepage

The balloon experiment

Can you put a pin through a balloon without popping it?

Yes, you can. To prove it, you will need the following:

  • balloons
  • a long metal needle
  • petroleum jelly
  • a pin
  • sticky tape

Method 1:

1. Inflate one of the balloons, but not quite fully, and tie the end.

2. Smother the entire needle with petroleum jelly, starting with the tip of the needle.

3. Gently insert the needle into the balloon. If this is done carefully, it should go in without popping it. It’s recommended that you insert the needle at the opposite end of the opening (knotted part) of the balloon so that once the needle is inserted, the tip of the needle will be able to come out near the knot of the balloon.

Method 2:

Another way of achieving the same effect is to put sticky tape on the balloon in a cross-shape and inserting the needle through this.

You can even try inserting multiple needles in the balloon using both methods!

 (DCL)
 (DCL)
 (DCL)
 (DCL)
Watch your favourite clips again  (DCL)
Meet the MythBusters!  (DCL)
You asked, they answered...  (DCL)
close


Fill out the form below to send this page to a friend

You can add extra friends by clicking on the plus button below.


Your Name:


Your Email Address: (*)


Recipient's Name:


Recipient's Address: (*)




Second Recipient's Name:


Second Recipient's Address: (*)




Third Recipient's Name:


Third Recipient's Address: (*)




Fourth Recipient's Name:


Fourth Recipient's Address: (*)




Fifth Recipient's Name:


Fifth Recipient's Address: (*)

add/remove recipient  
Your Message:


(*) Indicates a mandatory field