The blast of air that you may use to dry your growing locks can be used to demonstrate some cool science that is just…Magical!
This powerful science concept (known as Bernuolli’s Principle) can magically make balls float in mid-air, make birds fly and is even related to the perfume puffer that your mum may use as well.
Let’s explore this pesky pressure phenomenon.
Materials
- A good quality hair dryer
- Several ping-pong balls
- A medium ring (cut strainer or similar)
Remember:
- Adult supervision as the hair dryer may get hot if used for long periods of time and there is electricity.
With parental supervision, plug the hair dryer into a power point. (if available) select the ‘cool’ air function.
Turn on the hair dryer and orient it so that the air stream is blowing upwards. Carefully place a ping-pong ball into the air stream and let go. It should appear to ‘levitate’.
Move the floating ball left and right by gentle turning your wrist so that the air stream moves left and then right.
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Use the metal ring as a ‘circus hoop’. As the ball is levitating, try to move the hoop over the ball moving your hand sideways. Does the ball fall?
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While one ball is ‘floating’ in the air stream, try and place another ball above the first ball. This would allow two balls to be remaining in the air stream. How many balls can you make ‘float’ in the air stream?
Take it to the Next Level
Check out the ‘Wacky Science’ video of this experiment and ‘What’s Going On’ series link. They are currently ‘In Production’, so check back soon…..
This mini-experiment is another example of the power of Bernoulli’s Principle. This principle is also examined many other experiments in our ‘Amazing Air’ section.
A Swiss scientist put forward a theory over 200 years ago that said something like this:
 “Fast flowing fluids create a LOW pressure region”
Daniel Bernoulli (1700-1782)
This scientist was called Daniel Bernoulli and his theory was called The Bernoulli Principle. It can be used to explain many things such as how planes & birds fly, how tennis balls get their topspin and MORE!
National Weather Service
In this mini-experiment, as the air travels around the balls, it increases in speed to create regions of LOW pressure on the sides of the ball. The outside air pressure is under high pressure and pushes the ball from all side inwards. (therefore keeping it inside the air stream).
If you would like
– more details,
– pictures of the second half of the experiment
– information on how to investigate this further
– links to everyday examples
– management hints & teaching pointers (5P Teacher develpoment program)
 ….. then why not subscribe to one of the following
(1) Crazy science Club
(2) 5P Teacher Training course called ‘Looney Lab  Classroom Creations‘
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Or you can purchase the ‘Bright Sparkes Guide’ of this demonstration only ($2.50) which has:
- HD pictures of experiment steps
- Detailed explanation of science
- Mini-challenge section (another experiment)
- Making it a ‘Scientific Method’ experience
- Graphing opportunities
- REAL links and descriptions to everyday examples of concept.
- Bernoulli: A Swiss scientist who studied how fluids (air, liquids) move and put forward a theory to explain how it explains how fast flowing fluids create LOW pressure.