Why Does Bubble Wrap Crack When You Squeeze It?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does bubble wrap crack when you squeeze it?

The Big Idea

Bubble wrap pops because each bubble is a small pocket of trapped air! When you squeeze, the air inside is pushed harder and harder. Then the thin plastic gives way and the air bursts out.

Trapped Air

Step one: trapped air. Each bubble in bubble wrap is a sealed pocket of air with thin plastic around it. Air cushions things, which is why bubble wrap protects packages.

Squeeze Harder

Step two: squeeze harder. When you squeeze a bubble, the air inside is pushed into a smaller space. That raises the pressure until the thin plastic snaps or flexes with a pop. Think of squeezing a balloon with your hands.

The Pop

Step three: the pop. The sudden release of squeezed air makes the crack. It is a quick burst of air, like a mini clap.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Small bubbles hold only a little air. Big bubbles hold more air. Small bubbles tend to pop with a higher sound. Big bubbles tend to pop with a lower sound.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Bubble wrap was first invented as wallpaper, but it ended up in packing boxes. Lots of tiny pops together sound like crackling fire. Reusing bubble wrap or recycling it is kind to the planet. Keep it away from your ears, because pops can be sharp.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, try this! Squeeze small and big bubbles one at a time and listen. Which size makes a higher pop? Keep the wrap away from your ears. When you are done, put it in the recycling.

Outro

A bubble pops when squeezed air bursts out and the thin plastic gives way. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!