Buoyancy and Archimedes' Principle (Helium ballon and cargo problem)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a spherical helium balloon and its ability to lift a cargo, given its radius and the mass of the balloon's structure. The context centers around buoyancy and Archimedes' principle.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the buoyant force, the mass of the helium, and the mass of the cargo. There are attempts to clarify where the mass of the balloon should be included in the calculations. Questions arise regarding the correct formulation of the equations and the reasoning behind the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on the importance of including the mass of the balloon in the calculations. There is a lack of consensus on the correct approach, as participants seek clearer explanations and formulations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the problem, particularly for those who may be less familiar with the concepts involved, such as international students. There is an emphasis on understanding the assumptions made in the problem setup.

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Homework Statement



" A spherical balloon has a radius of 7.35 m and is filled with helium. How large a cargo can it lift, assuming that the skin and structure of the balloon have a mass of 930 kg? Neglect the buoyant force on the cargo volume itself."

Homework Equations



So F(b) = (mass of helium + mass of cargo) X 9.8

F(b) = Density of air X volume X 9.8

9.8 cancels out on both sides.

Density of air is 1.29 kg/m^3 so
1.29V = (mass of helium + mass of cargo)

mass of helium = density of helium (.179) X volume

so 1.29V - .179(V) = mass of cargo
V for a sphere = 4/3 (pi) (r)^3 = 1663.2


The Attempt at a Solution



plug that in and I get 1847.8 for the mass, which is WRONG
strangely if I divide that by 2 I get the right answer though... 924, which rounded down would be 920, but I have no idea why id divide it by 2.

I do not know what thing is wrong, and please explain detail. I am an international student.
 
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You forgot to include mass of the balloon in your calculations.
 
hmm... I don't know what you mean. Could you explain more easier to me?
Well.. Actually, I don't know where should I put mass of the balloon.

Could you write a equation exactly include mass of the balloon?
 
Before balloon can lift anything else, it has to lift itself.
 

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