1st year physic help - hot air balloons

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the average temperature of air inside a hot air balloon based on buoyancy principles. The buoyancy force is determined using the formula: force buoyancy = density(ofcoolair) * g * volume(ofballoon). For a 20-meter diameter balloon with a total mass of 275 kg (including passengers), the required buoyancy force is calculated to be 2697.75 N. The volume of the balloon is computed as 4188.79 m³, and the density of the cooler air is given as 0.066 kg/m³. The assumption that the pressure inside the balloon equals the outside pressure (90 kPa) is also discussed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of buoyancy forces in fluid mechanics
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law and its applications
  • Basic knowledge of thermodynamics, particularly temperature and pressure relationships
  • Ability to perform calculations involving volume and density
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the ideal gas law and its implications for hot air balloon physics
  • Learn about buoyancy calculations in different atmospheric conditions
  • Explore the relationship between temperature, pressure, and density in gases
  • Investigate the effects of altitude on air density and buoyancy
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for first-year physics students, educators teaching fluid mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of buoyancy and thermodynamics as they apply to hot air balloons.

bruceflea
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1st year physics help - hot air balloons...

see next post...
 
Last edited:
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question:

The buoyancy force that pushes the balloon upward is proportional to the density of the cooler air outsider the balloon and the volume of the balloon, and can be expressed as

force buoyancy = denisty(ofcoolair)*g*volume(ofballoon)

where g is the gravitational constant.

Consider a 20-m-diameter hot-air balloon that, together with its cage, has a mass of 80 kg when empty. This balloon is hanging still in the air at a location where the atmospheric pressure and temperature are 90 kPa and 15 o C, respectively, while carrying three 65 kg people. Determine the average temperature of the air in the balloon.

this is what I have so far...

The buoyancy force required for the balloon to hang still in the air is equal to the force exerted downwards by the weight of the balloon so:

Force buoyancy, Fb = mass*gravity = 275*9.81 = 2697.75 N
Therefore:

denisty(ofcoolair)*g*volume(ofballoon) = 2697.75 N

volume(of balloon) = 4/3*pi*10^3 = 4188.79 m^3

density(ofcoolair) = 0.066 kg m^3

I know that for the balloon to be hanging still:

density(ofcoolair) = density(ofhotair)

Is it ok to assume that the pressure inside the balloon is the same as the outside (90kPa)? I'm also assuming that V1 = V2. Which would give me the expression:

T2/T1 = n1/n2

Am I heading in the right direction?
 
Last edited:

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