Ballons question help?

Question

why is that when i pinned a balloon it pops but when i put selotape on the balloon and put a needle or pin why does it not pop?

Answer 1

The sellotape seems to reinforce the rubber as the pin punctures the surface. Normally the pin will tear the surface which is under tension and this tear then spreads rapidly causing the sudden burst.

Answer 2

Have you ever noticed that a balloon popped with a pin doesn't just have a little hole in it, it totally splits open?  The sellotape stops the rubber from splitting like that.

Answer 3

The tape stops the balloon from tearing apart.