A balloon filled with air is submerged into a tank of cold water. What will happen to the size of the balloon?

• A. The balloon will increase in size.
• B. The size of the balloon will remain unchanged.
• C. The balloon will decrease in size.
• D. The balloon will burst.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the size of a balloon depends on the volume of the gas inside it, which is influenced by temperature and pressure according to the gas laws.
2. Recall Charles's Law, which states that at constant pressure, the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature: \(V \propto T\) or \(\frac{V_1}{T_1} = \frac{V_2}{T_2}\).
3. Since the balloon is submerged in cold water, the temperature of the air inside the balloon decreases, meaning \(T_2 < T_1\).
4. Applying Charles's Law, a decrease in temperature leads to a decrease in volume, so the balloon's size will decrease.
5. Therefore, the balloon will shrink but not burst, assuming the pressure remains constant and the balloon material can withstand the change.