Uploaded November 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
What gases can a flying balloon be filled with? Find out about one of them in our experiment!
Magnesium strips are dropped in a flask with a solution of tartaric acid and the flask is covered with a balloon. When the balloon is completely filled with the gas forming in the flask, it is tied with a thread with an attached screw-nut – and the balloon floats! If touched with a burning match, the balloon will explode.
Magnesium and tartaric acid react to release hydrogen gas:
C₄H₆O₆ + Mg → MgC₄H₄O₆ + H₂↑
Hydrogen gas is 15 times lighter than air, and therefore a balloon filled with it can float. It explodes if exposed to flame due to the violent reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, which forms water:
2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O
The energy released in this reaction can safely be utilized to power so-called hydrogen vehicles.
Amusing and safe experiments await you in the MEL Chemistry subscription!
Attention! All experiments are performed by professionals. Do not attempt.
What gases can a flying balloon be filled with? Find out about one of them in our experiment!
Magnesium strips are dropped in a flask with a solution of tartaric acid and the flask is covered with a balloon. When the balloon is completely filled with the gas forming in the flask, it is tied with a thread with an attached screw-nut – and the balloon floats! If touched with a burning match, the balloon will explode.
Magnesium and tartaric acid react to release hydrogen gas:
C₄H₆O₆ + Mg → MgC₄H₄O₆ + H₂↑
Hydrogen gas is 15 times lighter than air, and therefore a balloon filled with it can float. It explodes if exposed to flame due to the violent reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, which forms water:
2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O
The energy released in this reaction can safely be utilized to power so-called hydrogen vehicles.
Amusing and safe experiments await you in the MEL Chemistry subscription!
Attention! All experiments are performed by professionals. Do not attempt.
