When you prick a balloon, several things can happen depending on the type of balloon and the force applied to it. Here are some possible outcomes:
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The balloon bursts: Most balloons, when pricked, will burst due to the sudden release of air. This is because the air pressure inside the balloon is much higher than the atmospheric pressure outside of it. The hole created by the prick acts as a weak point that tears further as the pressure inside the balloon pushes against it.
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The balloon deflates slowly: In some cases, the hole created by the prick may be small enough that the air inside the balloon escapes gradually, causing the balloon to deflate slowly instead of bursting. This can happen with certain types of balloons or if the force applied to the balloon is not strong enough to create a large hole.
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The balloon bursts into multiple pieces: If a balloon is highly inflated or under a lot of tension, it may burst into multiple pieces when pricked. A study found that a moderately inflated rubber balloon pricked with a needle bursts into two large fragments. However, if the balloon is inflated until it bursts on its own, it may shatter into many smaller pieces.
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The balloons behavior depends on its contents: If the balloon is filled with a substance other than air, such as water or a gas, the effects of pricking it may be different. For example, a water-filled balloon may leak or burst, while a gas-filled balloon may deflate or burst depending on the pressure inside it.
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In the case of a lung model balloon: If you prick the balloon of a lung model, the diaphragm may not function anymore. The diaphragm is the major muscle of respiration, and the body is dependent on it for breathing.
