Calculating Pressure in a Meteorological Balloon at -20.0C

  • Thread starter Thread starter LFoschiatti
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Balloon Pressure
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the pressure inside a meteorological balloon that expands from a radius of 1 meter to 3 meters at an altitude where the temperature is -20.0°C (253K). Using the ideal gas law, specifically the equation PV = nRT, the initial conditions at sea level are assumed to be 1 atm and 273K. The calculations yield a final pressure of approximately 0.03 atm, which is deemed reasonable based on the assumptions made regarding standard temperature and pressure (STP).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the ideal gas law (PV = nRT)
  • Knowledge of standard temperature and pressure (STP) conditions
  • Basic skills in volume calculations for spheres
  • Familiarity with temperature conversions from Celsius to Kelvin
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the ideal gas law applications in varying temperature and pressure scenarios
  • Explore the effects of altitude on atmospheric pressure and temperature
  • Learn about the behavior of gases under non-ideal conditions
  • Investigate the principles of buoyancy and its relation to meteorological balloons
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students studying physics or meteorology, particularly those interested in gas laws and atmospheric science, as well as professionals involved in ballooning or atmospheric research.

LFoschiatti
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement

A meteorological balloon had a radius of 1 m when released from sea level and expanded to a radius of 3 m when it had risen to it's maximum altitude, where the temperature was -20.0C. What is the pressure inside the balloon at that altitude?



Homework Equations

PV = nRT (I assumed ideal behavior)
n & R are constant, so
P1V1/T1 = P2V2/T2



The Attempt at a Solution


known:
initial volume= 4/3pi (1m)^3=4.187 m^3
final temp = 253K
final volume = 4/3 pi (3)^3=113.04 m^3

Can I assume STP at sea level and use 1 atm for initial pressure and 273K for initial temperature? Or is there more to it than that?

If I do that I get .03 atm. This sounds reasonable, but I am not sure the assumtions I made are correct.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your assumptions sound pretty reasonable to me.
 

Similar threads

What helium mass in a balloon to make it bouyant in air?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
How Is Work Calculated for a Gas and Balloon in Isothermal Expansion?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
Calculate how high balloon rises before stopping
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
12K
What is the final pressure in the balloons after being disconnected?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Is Exponential Form Better for Balloon with Inserted Load Calculation?
  • · Replies 170 ·
6
Replies
170
Views
9K
IGCSE Physics Boyle's law question
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
10K
Moles of gas helium balloon; buoyancy; PV=nRT
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
Calculating Air Density and Temperature in a Hot Air Balloon
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
Calculating Work Done in Inflating a Square Balloon
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Helium balloon problem adiabatic process
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
8K