Why are balloons harder to inflate when you start, and feel easier once they start expanding?

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I mean your average party balloon, when it’s completely deflated, it seems you have to put extra effort into getting it going. As soon as it starts inflating, you need less effort.

In: Physics

28 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

It has to do with elasticity. I dont know the science behind it but you have to overcome the inertia of the elastic material. Its like a nice brand new pair of pants with an elastic waist band or a rubber band. They fit nice when they are new but over time as you stretch the elastic material it no longer fits nice. There is also a breaking/degradation (not sure if this is the correct words) point of elastic material. Maybe is denaturing but my point is you can inflate a balloon to the point where it wont go back to its original shape.

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