Can a Fly Lift a Balloon with Human Breath?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether a fly inside a balloon can lift the balloon by flying upwards against its top. It explores both specific and general scenarios involving flying objects within closed hollow structures, particularly focusing on the implications of the environment inside the balloon being filled with human exhaled air.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a fly could potentially lift a balloon by flying upwards, but express uncertainty about the mechanics involved.
  • Others question the feasibility of a flying object lifting a closed hollow object, suggesting that the power of the flying object and environmental conditions are critical factors.
  • A participant notes that the closed hollow object is filled with air exhaled by a human, which may affect the outcome.
  • There is mention of a consensus from a Dutch forum, but participants indicate that there are differing opinions on the matter.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of reasoning through the problem rather than seeking direct answers, asking what supports a fly hovering near the ground.
  • A question is raised about the conditions under which the balloon would rise, implying a need for further exploration of the forces at play.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as multiple competing views remain regarding the feasibility of the fly lifting the balloon and the underlying principles involved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks clarity on certain assumptions, such as the specific power capabilities of the fly and the exact environmental conditions inside the balloon compared to outside. There are also unresolved questions about the mechanics of lift and buoyancy in this scenario.

TomWij
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The thread title is meant to be "Can a fly lift a balloon", it's Tom now due to a small mistake while posting.

This question was raised on a dutch technology forum.

Specific:
Can a fly in a balloon lift the balloon by flying upwards against the top of the balloon?

More general:
Can a flying object in a closed hollow object lift the closed hollow object if the flying object has enough power and the environment properties are the same inside and outside of the closed hollow object?

Notes:
- The closed hollow object is full with air exhaled by a human, not with hot air or helium.
- Feel free to ask more specific details.
 
Last edited:
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What do you think?
 


negitron said:
What do you think?

I think it's possible, but I'm not sure, that's why I am here to ask others.
 


TomWij said:
This question was raised on a dutch technology forum.

Specific:
Can a fly in a balloon lift the balloon by flying upwards against the top of the balloon?

More general:
Can a flying object in a closed hollow object lift the closed hollow object if the flying object has enough power and the environment properties are the same inside and outside of the closed hollow object?

Notes:
- The closed hollow object is full with air exhaled by a human, not with hot air or helium.
- Feel free to ask more specific details.

We know the answer, but aren't talking yet. What was the consensus on the Dutch forum?
 


berkeman said:
We know the answer, but aren't talking yet. What was the consensus on the Dutch forum?
There are different opinions on this question, that's why we are looking for confirmation on what would be the right opinion.
 


Well, we generally don't give out answers to this type of question, because in the end it could be for a school assignment.

So alternately we can ask you to reason it out. When a fly is hovering right near the ground, what is holding it up off the ground?
 


Thank you LeonhardEuler for answering the question. :-)
 
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At expense of what would the balloon would rise?
 

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