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superhuman-breath-air-experiment

The power of a superhuman meets the power of air. Who will win?

This simple yet amazing science demonstration is a great way to explore the power of air pressure while creating that ‘wow’ factor. Experience how the familiar Bernoulli Principle can amaze you. Take this challenge and see if you can explain what is going on as well.

Materialssuperhuman breath materials 2

Filter funnel

Table tennis ball

A superhuman!

safety-in-science

Remember:

1) Small balls may be a swallowing hazard for children. Make sure an adult checks experiment and tells you it is ok to complete.

 

 

 

Turn the filter funnel upside down so that the mouth faces the ceiling. Into the mouth place the table tennis ball.superhuman breath step1 2

Tilt your head backwards so that you are looking directly upwards towards to ceiling.superhuman breath step1 2

PLace the funnel in your mouth and get ready for  BIG blow!

Take a deep breath and blow as hard as you can to see if you can blow the ball out of the funnel.

Try several times and note any chages in the balls placement.

How did you go?

You may have noticed that the ball vibrated side to side as you blew. This was the air passing the ball and causing it to vibrate. Before we explain what is going on, try the next step.

Turn the funnel upside down and hold the ball inside by pacing your finger on it. This stops gravity from pulling the ball out of the funnel and towards the ground.Human breath step 3 Human breath step 2

While holding the ball, blow again through the funnel BUT this time just after you start blowing, remove your hand. What happens?

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…..

Wacky Science Ep

what-is-going-on

 

 

The results of this little air experiment surprises many who see it. Let’s examine the first part when blowing upwards.

 

When you blew upwards you may have noticed that the ball vibrated from side to side. This is the air (from your mouth) pushing past the ball. This movement of air past the ball is ‘FAST’ flowing air and it creates an area of LOW pressure at the top of the ball as shown below in picture one.

superhuman breath funnel p1superhuman breath funnel p2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second image shows that the surrounding air pressure is ‘HIGH’ compared to the LOW air pressure region near the ball. The force of the high air pressure pushing against the lower area stops the ball from being blown out of the funnel.

The second part of the demonstration proves that it is the high pressure region pushing against the ball. When you turn the funnel upside down and blow, the only thing stopping it from being pulled towards the Earth due to gravity is the force from the high pressure air.

 

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

Crazy Science Club slider5

(2) 5P Teacher Training course called ‘Looney Lab  Classroom Creations‘

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.