Pressure of Helium inside a balloon floating in air

In summary, the pressure of helium inside a balloon "floating" in air can be calculated by finding the mass of the helium and using the equation PV = nRT. After subtracting the mass of the balloon's material from the total mass, the number of moles of helium can be determined. Then, plugging in the values for volume, temperature, and number of moles, the pressure can be found to be 6.88 x 10^5 Pascals.
  • #1
yaylee
22
0
Pressure of Helium inside a balloon "floating" in air

Homework Statement


A spherical balloon of radius R = 2.98 m is made from a material of mass M = 3.16 kg and is filled with helium gas at temperature T = 285 K. Assume the thickness of the balloon is negligible compared to the radius of the balloon, and the balloon just floats on air, neither rising nor falling. If the density of the surrounding air is ρ = 1.19 kg/m3, find P, the absolute pressure of the helium inside the balloon.
ASSUME: The balloon material displaces a negligible amount of air, and therefore creates no measurable buoyancy.

Homework Equations


Volume of a sphere = (4/3)π(r^3)
Buoyant force of an object "floating": F = (mass object)(g) = (ρliquid)(Vobject)(g), and the "g's" cancel.
PV = nRT
moles = grams/ (grams/mol)


The Attempt at a Solution


First: find the mass of the TOTAL object. We can then subtract the mass of the balloon's material from the Total mass to find the mass of the Helium itself.
Use, Buoyant Force equation, where (ρliquid)(Vobject) = (mass object) = (1.19)(4/3)π(2.98^3) = 131.912 kg.

Then: (mass object) - (mass of balloon material) = mass of Helium = 131.912 - 3.16 = 128.75 kg = 128,750 grams.
number of moles of Helium inside balloon: 128, 750 g/4 g/mol = 32187.50 moles.

Now: can use pv = nRT, or P = nRT/V = 32187.50(8.314)(285)/((4/3)(∏)(2.98^3) = 6.88 x 10^5 Pascals.

The answer key marked me incorrect, however, I believe I have reasoned the problem correctly. Does anyone have any suggestions?

My unlimited thanks in advance!
 
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  • #2


I think you're an order of magnitude out. Check the final calculation.
 
  • #3


Thanks!
 

1. How does the pressure of helium affect the size of a balloon?

The pressure of helium inside a balloon is what keeps it inflated. The higher the pressure, the larger the balloon will be. As the pressure decreases, the balloon will shrink in size.

2. What is the ideal pressure of helium for a balloon to float in air?

The ideal pressure of helium for a balloon to float in air is slightly higher than the surrounding air pressure. This allows the balloon to stay afloat and maintain its size, without bursting or sinking.

3. Can the pressure of helium inside a balloon change?

Yes, the pressure of helium inside a balloon can change depending on the temperature and altitude. As the temperature increases, the pressure inside the balloon will also increase. Similarly, as the altitude increases, the pressure will decrease.

4. What happens if the pressure of helium inside a balloon is too high?

If the pressure of helium inside a balloon is too high, the balloon may burst. This is because the elastic material of the balloon is only able to withstand a certain amount of pressure before it breaks.

5. How does the pressure of helium inside a balloon affect its flight?

The pressure of helium inside a balloon affects its flight by providing the lifting force needed to keep the balloon afloat. If the pressure is too low, the balloon may not be able to maintain its altitude and will start to descend. If the pressure is too high, the balloon may rise too quickly and become difficult to control.

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