Why do balloons shrink more in hot water than in cold?

Question

Why do balloons shrink more in hot water than in cold?

Answer 1

That last answer is slightly confused. By Charle's law (called Gay-Lussac's Law in France), V1/T1=V2/T2 at constant pressure, where Vs are volume and Ts are temperature. Therefore, if one increases the temperature T1 >T2, then one would expect the volume to increase as well, so V1>V2.



However, this is assuming equal pressure. Obviously, as the temperature of the balloon increases, one might expect the pressure to increase as well. This situation is governed by the universal gas law, PV=nRT, and as temperature T increases, one would expect the product PV to increase as well, probably some increase in pressure P and some increase in volume V, depending on how stretchy the balloon is. Another factor that comes into play is that balloons are permeable, so as the pressure increases, more gas inside the balloon will diffuse out of the balloon, decreasing the volume of the balloon.



I would expect that over a short period, the balloon would expand from the heating of the gas inside, but over a longer period, the heat and pressure would encourage enhanced diffusion, causing the ballooon to shrink.



In cold water, obviously diffusion will not operate as efficiently, and one will have a more straightforward application of the universal gas law, so that the product PV will decrease with decreasing temperature over both the short and long terms.



The rate at which the heated balloon contracts due to loss of air inside by diffusion depends on the permeability of the balloon surface.

Answer 2

When a balloon is inflated, the pressure inside is slightly higher than the surrounding atmospheric air pressure. Air molecules inside are bouncing off the rubber inside at a greater rate (because of concentration) than air molecules striking the outside. The imbalance of the trillions upon trillions of strikes per unit time keep the rubber of the balloon stretched. When the air inside the balloon is heated the molecules have even more energy and tend to strike the rubber harder expanding the balloon.



If hot water is sprayed on the balloon it should expand but it would contract if sprayed with cold water.



If the balloon is pushed under water, the water pressure would tend to shrink the balloon but cold water would contract the balloon more because of increased hydraulic pressure and reduced energy inside the balloon. Pushing the balloon under hot water would increase hydraulic pressure shrinking it but would also add energy inside tending to expand it.



The discussion has ignored the effects of temperature on the strength of the balloon itself. Rubber consists of intertwined very long polimer chemical chains which can melt if too hot or turn brittle if too cold. Very cold liquid nitrogen could help shatter a rubber balloon to dust.

Answer 3

balloons if no longer a good intensity of water, will shink or boost do to the temp of the water. the chillier the smaller the balloon will grow to be reason the moliculs on your time down and grow to be closer togeather vis versa in warm yours really lone