You should also be aware that we are only seeing a sliced-section of the space inside the tube and not all the gas particles are visible. The tube is closed off by a sliding plug.
:) This could be the inside of your lousy balloons.

1. Write down the independent variable (the variable YOU changed) and the dependent variable (the variable that changed because of the independent variable).

2. Predict how temperature might cause the balloons to change in volume. Write down your predictions.

3. To select a temperature, click on the thermometer and drag it to a different temperature.

4. The gas will be heated or cooled and, after any volume changes, you can record the data in the data table by clicking on the Record button.
   Important:
   Copy the data into your own lab notebook.

5. When you have sampled at least 6 temperatures, proceed to the analysis questions and the graphing section.

[ We here at Aspire sometimes say "Cool Beans". ]

Scientists often test variables to find relationships. What variables were you testing in this lab? What changed? What stayed the same?

But wait- the fun isn't over yet. We still have some serious science to contemplate. How did your prediction match the data? Were you able to figure out what was going to happen?

Let's get back to the physics fun. Think about the experiment you just conducted. What happened when the temperature was raised? What happened when the temperature was lowered? In this experiment, what is the relationship between the temperature of a gas and the volume of the gas?

• In a direct relationship, if one variable increases in value, the other variable also increases. (Eat more vegetables, build more muscles.)
• In an inverse relationship, if one variable increases, the other variable decreases. (Watch more TV, grades go down)

Is the relationship between temperature and volume direct or inverse?

Here's a little scientific information for you. All gases are made up of molecules or atoms (particles). Particles are always in motion, either zipping around like you have seen, or vibrating in place. The hotter a gas gets, the faster the particles move.

Now that you have some background knowledge, explain why increasing the temperature of a gas would cause the volume of the gas to increase. Explain why decreasing the temperature would decrease the volume of the gas. Now relate this to your helium balloon mystery. What may have caused the balloons to decrease in volume?