Question

maxwell fills a balloon with helium gas. later, he accidentally pops the balloon with a needle, causing a loud sound. what types of changes did the balloon experience?
a the balloon experienced a physical change when it was filled with helium, and a chemical change when popped.
b the balloon experienced a chemical change when it was filled with helium, and a physical change when popped.
c the balloon experienced physical changes when it was filled with helium and when popped.
d the balloon experienced chemical changes when it was filled with helium and when popped.

Explanation:

• Filling the balloon with helium: This is a physical change. No new substances are formed. Helium is just being put into the balloon, and the balloon's shape changes (volume increases), but the chemical nature of helium and the balloon material (assuming it's a typical balloon material like latex) remains the same.
• Popping the balloon: This is also a physical change. The balloon material tears, and the helium gas escapes. There is no chemical reaction (no new substances are formed; the helium is still helium, and the balloon material, though in a different physical state - torn instead of intact - is still the same material chemically).

Answer:

C. The balloon experienced physical changes when it was filled with helium and when popped.