Consider two identical balloons. One is inflated at sea level, and the other is inflated to the same volume on a high mountain peak. If both are then brought to an extremely high altitude where the atmospheric pressure is very low, which balloon is more likely to burst first, and why?

8 views 3 helpful Updated Jul 27, 2026
Appears in Class 8th
Solution ✔ Verified
  • AThe balloon inflated at sea level, due to the higher internal pressure it started with.
  • BThe balloon inflated on the mountain, because its rubber would be weaker.
  • CBoth would burst simultaneously, as external pressure would drop equally.
  • DThe balloon inflated on the mountain, because the initial pressure difference it experienced would be greater.
Explanation

The balloon inflated at sea level would likely burst first. Although inflated to the same volume, the air inside it would be at a higher initial pressure than the air inside the balloon inflated on the mountain (since mountain air pressure is lower). When both are taken to very low external pressure, the balloon with higher internal pressure would experience a greater pressure difference across its surface, straining its material more.

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