Filling Toy Rubber Balloons with Hydrogen
Apparatus for Filling Toy Rubber Balloons with Hydrogen Gas to Make Them Fly to a Great Height
Any boy can easily convert a toy rubber balloon into a real flier by constructing the simple device shown in the illustration for filling it with hydrogen. Procure a clay pipe and break off the stem near the bowl. Bore a hole in a cork, or preferably a rubber stopper, selected to fit some bottle and insert the smaller end of the pipestem in the hole. As the stem tapers, if the hole has been made for the smaller end, a tight fit is assured by simply pressing the stem well into the cork. Tie the open end of the stem on the balloon tightly over the larger end of the pipestem, and have ready a thread to tie the stem of the balloon when it is filled.
Procure from a local drug store 1 oz. of hydrochloric acid. Place some nails, or better still, a few strips of zinc, in the bottle and cover them with a little water, then pour a small quantity of the hydrochloric acid into the bottle and assemble as shown in the illustration. In a few minutes hydrogen gas will be given off, and if the joints are tight, the balloon will begin to fill. After it has expanded as much as it will stand without breaking, tie the end with the thread, and cut off any parts of the mouthpiece that may weigh it down. If sufficient gas has been passed into the balloon it will rise to the ceiling. Balloons filled in this manner have risen to a height of several hundred feet.
Caution: Do not allow the hydrochloric acid to come in contact with the skin or clothing, as it may cause frightful burns. Do not under any circumstance fill the balloon near a flame or allow fire to come near the bottle.—Contributed by Ralph C. Jenkins, Manchester, Vt.