Why does a mashed banana in a water bottle blow up the balloon? And
why do the diced carrots suck the air out of the bottle and
consequently, the balloon?

Greetings Curiousmom:

The balloon blows up due to the gasses formed from the fermentation of
the banana decaying.  It can be acheived with vinegar and baking soda,
too.  See "Make a Gas Balloon" at
http://www.light-science.com/gasballoon.html.  As far as the diced
carrots removing the air from the balloon, carrots dry out quickly
when cut so they pull the moisture from the air in the balloon causing
it to deflate more quickly.


SEARCH STRATEGY:

"science project" balloon bottle

---

Request for Answer Clarification by curiousmom-ga on 20 May 2003 21:31 PDT

Is the gas produced called Methane gas?

---

Clarification of Answer by journalist-ga on 21 May 2003 08:44 PDT

According to http://www.stii.dost.gov.ph/tekno/book1/book1_54.htm the
gas emitted naturally by bananas is ethylene.

"Bananas (also other fruits and vegetables) emits gas called
'ethylene.' The presence of this gas inside the enclosed bags when
transported for shipment coupled with high temperature hasten the
fruit's ripening process. A food expert devised a new, low-cost
treatment for prolonging the storage life of bananas and other fruits
and vegetables during transport.  A charcoal-like material was placed
inside a plastic bag which absorbs the ethylene gas given off by the
bananas."


SEARCH STRATEGY:

banana fermentation gas

Thanks!

The gas produced from fermenting bananas is carbon dioxide.

Thank you for your rating, comment and added generosity!  :)