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Lesson 9 of 14

Fast air, low pressure

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6 min

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Two paper strips hang about one hand's width apart. You blow between them. Do they move apart or together? Balloons do the same.

Two balloons are tied a little apart. The air around them is still.
Step 1 of 4
  1. Two balloons are tied a little apart. The air around them is still.
  2. You blow air up along the gap. The air there moves fast.
  3. The fast air has lower pressure than the still air outside.
  4. The higher pressure pushes the balloons together.

The rule

The strips move together. The balloons do too.

Air moves from high pressure to low pressure.

Rule: Fast-moving air has lower pressure than still air beside it. The higher pressure pushes things towards the fast air.

Wind can lift a weak roof. Air above the roof is fast. It has lower pressure than the still air inside. The higher pressure inside may push the roof up.

Stay safe

In a storm, stay inside a strong building. Do what adults and officials say.

Blow harder. Watch the balloons.

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