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        riddles >> what happened >> Johnny's balloon
        
(Message started by: R. on May 3^rd, 2004, 1:23pm)

Title: Johnny's balloon
Post by R. on May 3^rd, 2004, 1:23pm

Johnny is really smart. He bet everyone in his class a nickel that he could push a straight pin through an inflated balloon without it bursting. Sure enough everyone ended up owing him a nickle.

How did he do it?

Title: Re: Johnny's balloon
Post by evergreena3 on May 3^rd, 2004, 2:14pm

R.,

I'm going to guess that he ::[hide] put clear adhesive (scotch) tape on two opposite points on the baloon. Then, he stuck the pin through those two points. The baloon will slowly leak, but it will not pop.[/hide]. Am I close?

EverGreenA3

Title: Re: Johnny's balloon
Post by R. on May 3^rd, 2004, 2:42pm

Thats what I guessed.

R.

Title: Re: Johnny's balloon
Post by BNC on May 3^rd, 2004, 4:08pm

He could also push the pin throught the "stub" of the inflated balloon (where it's tied).

Title: Re: Johnny's balloon
Post by grimbal on May 6^th, 2004, 11:48am

There are 2 places where you can put a put through the balloon without it bursting. One is at the stub, as noted, the other is opposite, the "top" of the balloon. At these 2 places the ruber is under much less stress than on the sides, and can be punctured without bursting.