Calculating Force Needed to Hold Down a Hydrogen-Filled Balloon

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the force required to hold down a hydrogen-filled balloon, specifically focusing on the weight of the balloon and the buoyant force acting on it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the total weight of the balloon and the hydrogen, as well as the buoyant force related to the volume of hydrogen. There is also a discussion about unit conversions between mass and force.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the distinction between weight and mass, and the importance of using consistent units. There is acknowledgment of confusion regarding unit conversions, but no consensus has been reached on the calculation itself.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential for confusion between Newtons and kilograms, emphasizing the importance of understanding these concepts in the context of exams.

daisyi
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A 30kg balloon is filled with 100m^3 of hydrogen. How much force is needed to hold it down??


I'm not even sure which formula to use with this one. :confused:
 
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What is the total weight of the system balloon+hydrogen?
What is the buoyancy force of air associated with 100m^3 volume?
 
got it, thanks...


i guess the biggest problem was that the answer was given in Newtons and i had it in kgs.

Newtons alway smess me up :P

thanks for your help!
 
NB!
Force is measured in Newtons, mass is measured in kgs (in the IS system, that is).

This is completely different concepts, and mixing up units on exams, for example, is a VERY BAD THING (at least in Norway..)
 
arildno said:
NB!
This is completely different concepts, and mixing up units on exams, for example, is a VERY BAD THING (at least in Norway..)

it is the same here in the states...
:biggrin:
 

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