Balloons and Bouyancy: An Introduction to Bouyancy - (Inquiry Based) A gold star indicates high-quality, inquiry-based activities that follow the PhET design guidelines.





Title Balloons and Bouyancy: An Introduction to Bouyancy - (Inquiry Based)
Description I used this acitivity as part of a unit on Fluids. Learning Goals: Students will be able on a molecular level to: Explain why a rigid sphere would float or sink. Describe the differences between the balloon, rigid sphere, and helium balloon. Explain why a hot air balloon has a heater. Determine what causes helium balloon to rise up or fall down in the box.
Subject Physics
Level High School
Type Lab
Duration 60 minutes
Answers Included No
Language English
Keywords bouyancy, gas, molecular, phet activity
Simulation(s) Balloons & Buoyancy


Author(s) Trish Loeblein
Contact Email patricia.loeblein@colorado.edu
School / Organization PhET
Date submitted 4/6/08
Date updated 7/9/13