Can a Fly Lift a Balloon with Human Breath?

In summary, a discussion on whether a fly in a balloon can lift the balloon by flying upwards against the top of the balloon was raised on a Dutch technology forum. The question being, can a flying object in a closed hollow object lift the closed hollow object if the flying object has enough power and the environment properties are the same inside and outside of the closed hollow object. It was clarified that the closed hollow object is full with air exhaled by a human, not with hot air or helium. There were different opinions on the forum and no definite consensus was reached. The question was not answered directly as it could potentially be for a school assignment, but the readers were asked to reason it out themselves.
  • #1
TomWij
4
0
The thread title is meant to be "Can a fly lift a balloon", it's Tom now due to a small mistake while posting.

This question was raised on a dutch technology forum.

Specific:
Can a fly in a balloon lift the balloon by flying upwards against the top of the balloon?

More general:
Can a flying object in a closed hollow object lift the closed hollow object if the flying object has enough power and the environment properties are the same inside and outside of the closed hollow object?

Notes:
- The closed hollow object is full with air exhaled by a human, not with hot air or helium.
- Feel free to ask more specific details.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2


What do you think?
 
  • #3


negitron said:
What do you think?

I think it's possible, but I'm not sure, that's why I am here to ask others.
 
  • #4


TomWij said:
This question was raised on a dutch technology forum.

Specific:
Can a fly in a balloon lift the balloon by flying upwards against the top of the balloon?

More general:
Can a flying object in a closed hollow object lift the closed hollow object if the flying object has enough power and the environment properties are the same inside and outside of the closed hollow object?

Notes:
- The closed hollow object is full with air exhaled by a human, not with hot air or helium.
- Feel free to ask more specific details.

We know the answer, but aren't talking yet. What was the consensus on the Dutch forum?
 
  • #5


berkeman said:
We know the answer, but aren't talking yet. What was the consensus on the Dutch forum?
There are different opinions on this question, that's why we are looking for confirmation on what would be the right opinion.
 
  • #6


Well, we generally don't give out answers to this type of question, because in the end it could be for a school assignment.

So alternately we can ask you to reason it out. When a fly is hovering right near the ground, what is holding it up off the ground?
 
  • #7


Thank you LeonhardEuler for answering the question. :-)
 
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  • #8


At expense of what would the balloon would rise?
 

1. Can a fly really lift a balloon?

Yes, a fly can lift a balloon. However, it depends on the size and weight of the balloon and the strength of the fly.

2. How much weight can a fly carry?

A fly can carry up to 10-15 times its own body weight, which is quite impressive for such a small insect. However, this weight-carrying ability varies between different species of flies.

3. How does a fly lift a balloon?

A fly is able to lift a balloon by creating a small air current with its wings. This air current, combined with the fly's ability to hold onto objects with its sticky feet, allows it to lift and carry the balloon.

4. Can a fly lift any type of balloon?

Yes, a fly can lift any type of balloon as long as it is within the weight range that the fly is able to carry. However, larger balloons may require multiple flies working together to lift it.

5. Are there any limitations to a fly's ability to lift a balloon?

Yes, there are limitations to a fly's ability to lift a balloon. If the balloon is too heavy or if the fly is not strong enough, it will not be able to lift the balloon. Additionally, environmental factors such as wind or other obstacles may also impact the fly's ability to lift the balloon.

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