Balloon Experiment Analysis

Mr. McGowen conducts a science lesson on building a hot-air balloon to demonstrate Newton's third law of motion. The lesson includes a list of materials, step-by-step assembly instructions, and two test runs of the balloon. The first test run highlights the balloon's ascent and descent, while the second test run involves modifications to improve performance. The experiment illustrates the balance of forces and the impact of weight on motion.

What scientific principle is being tested in this experiment?

• Newton's second law of motion

• Newton's third law of motion

• Newton's first law of motion

• Law of conservation of energy

Which of the following is NOT a material needed for the experiment?

• Balloon

• Plastic or paper cup

• Tape

• Scissors

How many holes should be made in the cup for the experiment?

• Four

• Three

• Two

• One

What should you do with the balloon before attaching it to the basket?

• Fill it with water

• Cut it in half

• Blow it up and hold it without tying

• Tie it tightly

What was the expected outcome of the first test run?

• The balloon would go up and then come back down

• The balloon would float indefinitely

• The balloon would go up and stay there

• The balloon would not move at all

What was suggested to prevent the balloon from falling to the ground after the test?

• Tying the balloon to a chair

• Tying a paper clip to the string

• Using a longer string

• Filling the balloon with more air

What change was made in the second test run compared to the first?

• A smaller balloon was used

• The balloon was filled with helium

• The balloon was tied

• Weight was added to the basket

What was the main reason the balloon fell quickly in the second test run?

• The balloon was tied

• The weight in the basket was too much

• The string was too short

• The balloon was not inflated enough

What conclusion can be drawn from the second test run?

• The balloon's force was not enough to overcome gravity

• The balloon did not generate any force

• The balloon's force was enough to overcome gravity

• The balloon was too heavy

What could potentially improve the results of the experiment?

• Adding more weight to the basket

• Using a stronger and larger balloon

• Using a smaller balloon

• Tying the balloon tightly