Where does the energy come from?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Omid
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Energy
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the energy dynamics of a helium balloon as it rises, specifically focusing on the sources of kinetic energy (KE) and gravitational potential energy (PE) involved in the process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the role of buoyant forces in the balloon's ascent and question the origins of the energy that allows the balloon to gain kinetic and potential energy as it rises.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered explanations regarding buoyancy and the relationship between helium's density and air, while others have clarified the concepts of kinetic and potential energy in the context of the balloon's motion. There is an ongoing exploration of these ideas without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the principles of buoyancy and energy conservation, with a focus on the physical properties of helium and air. There may be assumptions about the system's behavior that are not fully articulated.

Omid
Messages
181
Reaction score
0
When a helium balloon soars into the sky, it gains KE and gravitational PE. where does that energy come from?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Best answer I can think of is that the balloon is being acted on by a buoyant force. Helium is less dense than air, and so the average density of the balloon is less than that of air. The balloon therefore "floats" in this sea of air called the atmosphere, and the buoyant force causes it to rise. Any corrections/clarifications?
 
The lighter helium is buoyant in the denser air - the buoyant forces cause the helium balloon to rise with some velocity. Kinetic energy is simply 1/2 mv2.

The balloon is rising in the gravitational field, hence the mass of the balloon is gaining potential energy.
 
Thank you very much.
 

Similar threads

Why does the PE of particles during steam condensation decrease?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
Pan suspended by a spring (Energy + SHM)
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
Work done by a balloon that is rising
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Do you graph the energy levels of a ##1s^1## atom the same as a ##1s^2## atom?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
Linear systems: Tmax = Umax is not making sense
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Examples of conversion of gravitational PE to heat energy?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
7K
Work & Energy (Question on Classical Mechanics/Slope based Problems)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Question about the conservation of mechanical energy
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
About KE and PE of a stone falling down a tube filled with oil
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Working out the kinetic energy of a body due to a gravitational field
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K