Can a Helium-Filled Weather Balloon Accelerate Upwards Faster Than Gravity?

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In summary: Therefore, the downward force is 15 * 9.8 = 147 Newtons. The upward force is (1.16 * V * 9.8) = 11.368 V Newtons. So the net force is 147 - 11.368 V Newtons. Therefore the acceleration is (147 - 11.368 V)/15. Since V is a positive number, this gives an acceleration of less than -9.8 meters/second^2. In summary, a spherical weather balloon with a mass of 5 kg and a radius of 2.879 m, fully inflated with helium, is supposed to carry a load of instruments weighing 10 kg. The upward force
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1. An empty spherical weather balloon with a mass of 5 kg has a radius of 2.879 m when fully inflated with helium. It is supposed to carry a small load of instruments having a mass of 10 kg. Taking air and helium to have densities of 1.16 kg/m^3, respectively, what will be the acceleration of the balloon and load immediately after it is released?

upward force :FB=ρairVg
downward force: Mg=(5+10+ρHeV)g
so FB-Mg=Ma
i find that a>g can balloon have accerelate more than g? or I do something wrong?
 
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aopaop03 said:
1. An empty spherical weather balloon with a mass of 5 kg has a radius of 2.879 m when fully inflated with helium. It is supposed to carry a small load of instruments having a mass of 10 kg. Taking air and helium to have densities of 1.16 kg/m^3, respectively, what will be the acceleration of the balloon and load immediately after it is released?

upward force :FB=ρairVg
downward force: Mg=(5+10+ρHeV)g
so FB-Mg=Ma
i find that a>g can balloon have accerelate more than g? or I do something wrong?

Why do you think having a > g would be wrong? Remember, the acceleration of the balloon and the direction of g should be opposite one another.

Also, the problem statement was to have the densities of both air and helium mentioned, but only one figure is given, and it's not clear for which gas it is.
 
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aopaop03 said:
1. An empty spherical weather balloon with a mass of 5 kg has a radius of 2.879 m when fully inflated with helium. It is supposed to carry a small load of instruments having a mass of 10 kg. Taking air and helium to have densities of 1.16 kg/m^3, respectively, what will be the acceleration of the balloon and load immediately after it is released?
A trick answer to this question s -9.8 meters/second2

The balloon is specified as being empty. It has no lift.
 

What is the acceleration of a balloon?

The acceleration of a balloon is the rate at which its velocity changes over time. It is typically measured in meters per second squared (m/s²).

How does the acceleration of a balloon compare to the acceleration of other objects?

The acceleration of a balloon is determined by its mass and the force acting on it. Objects with greater mass require more force to accelerate at the same rate. Therefore, the acceleration of a balloon is typically lower than that of heavier objects like cars or airplanes.

What factors affect the acceleration of a balloon?

The acceleration of a balloon is affected by factors such as its mass, the force of gravity, and air resistance. Other factors that can impact acceleration include the shape and size of the balloon, the pressure of the gas inside, and external forces like wind.

Can the acceleration of a balloon be negative?

Yes, the acceleration of a balloon can be negative if it is slowing down or moving in the opposite direction of its initial velocity. This can occur if there is a force acting against the direction of motion, such as air resistance or a change in wind direction.

How is the acceleration of a balloon calculated?

The acceleration of a balloon can be calculated using the formula a = F/m, where a is the acceleration, F is the net force acting on the balloon, and m is the mass of the balloon. This formula is known as Newton's second law of motion.

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