Using What We Know

When asked what will happen to the bubble inside of the syringe, many people predict that the bubble will expand… and maybe even pop. This is because most of us have popped the bubbles in bubble wrap before by squeezing on them.

However, let’s rethink the situation now that we know a little bit more about air, particles, and particle density. We know that when a syringe is open and we pull the plunger up to 35, air particles (represented by 35 dots) will enter the syringe:

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

So what would happen if we did the same thing with a bubble inside of the syringe? Would the same number of air particles still enter the syringe?

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

Because the bubble takes up a certain amount of volume inside of the syringe, fewer air particles would enter the syringe.

next