Gas Lighter than Air for Balloon Flight: Helium, Hydrogen, Hot air?

  • Thread starter astraton2001
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Calculator
In summary, there are three types of gas that can be used in a balloon: helium, hydrogen, and hot air. The next lightest gas after helium is nitrogen, but it will not provide much lift since air is mostly nitrogen. To calculate the lift from hydrogen or helium, you must subtract their density from that of air and multiply the difference by the volume of the balloon. The best gas to use would be the one that requires the least amount of gas to generate the most lift.
  • #1
astraton2001
1
0
well, don't really know if it's physics or chemical...

gas lighter than air, to be used in a balloon who can fly up by itself.
I only know 3 types: helium, hydrogen, hot air

Are there other, can be used in a ballon?

And how can I calculate how much updrift the gas creates or better, how much weight can how much gas raise?

What is the best gas to be used? I mean, the less gas needed, but the most updrift generated.

Any suggestions?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The next lightest gas, after Helium, is Nitrogen. Since air is mostly Nitrogen, you aren't going to get much lift from it!

To calculate the lift from Hydrogen or Helium, you will have to subtract its density from that of air (only slightly more than the density of Nitrogen). Multiplying that difference times the volume of the balloon (multiplying also by g if you used mass density rather than weight density- which is very likely) will give the upward force on the balloon.
 
  • #3


There are actually other gases that can be used in a balloon, such as methane, ammonia, and neon. However, helium, hydrogen, and hot air are the most commonly used gases due to their availability and properties.

To calculate the amount of updrift a gas can generate, you would need to know its density and the volume of gas used. The general formula for calculating updrift is Updrift = (density of gas - density of surrounding air) x volume of gas. The higher the updrift value, the more weight the gas can lift.

As for the best gas to use, it depends on the specific situation and preferences. Helium is the safest option as it is non-flammable and non-toxic, but it is also more expensive and has less updrift than hydrogen. Hydrogen has the highest updrift, but it is highly flammable and requires special safety precautions. Hot air is the cheapest option, but it has lower updrift and is dependent on external heat sources. Ultimately, the best gas to use would depend on factors such as cost, safety, and availability.
 

1. How do gas lighters than air, such as helium, hydrogen, and hot air, help balloons fly?

Gas lighter than air, also known as buoyant gas, is used to fill the inside of a balloon. This gas has a lower density than the surrounding air, causing the balloon to rise and float in the air. The amount of gas needed depends on the size and weight of the balloon, as well as the desired altitude and flight duration.

2. What are the main differences between using helium, hydrogen, and hot air for balloon flight?

Helium is the most commonly used gas for balloon flight. It is non-flammable, non-toxic, and has a lifting capacity of 1 gram per liter. Hydrogen is more efficient than helium and has a lifting capacity of 1.2 grams per liter, but it is highly flammable. Hot air balloons use heated air to create lift, making them the only type of balloon that does not require a gas to float. However, they are limited in their maximum altitude and flight duration.

3. Why is helium the most commonly used gas for balloon flight?

Helium is the most commonly used gas for balloon flight for several reasons. It is non-flammable, non-toxic, and widely available. It also has a lifting capacity of 1 gram per liter, making it a practical choice for most balloon sizes and weights. Additionally, helium is a stable gas and does not expand or contract significantly with changes in temperature, allowing for a more controlled flight.

4. Are there any safety concerns when using hydrogen for balloon flight?

Yes, there are safety concerns when using hydrogen for balloon flight. Hydrogen is highly flammable and can easily ignite if exposed to heat or flames. It is also a colorless and odorless gas, making it difficult to detect leaks. Therefore, it is important to follow strict safety protocols and regulations when handling and using hydrogen for balloon flight.

5. Can any type of gas be used for balloon flight?

No, not all gases can be used for balloon flight. The gas used must be lighter than air, have a lifting capacity, and be safe to handle. Gases like helium, hydrogen, and hot air meet these requirements and are commonly used for balloon flight. Other gases, such as oxygen or nitrogen, are not suitable for balloon flight as they have a similar or greater density than air.

Similar threads

B Where the extra energy comes from?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
9
Views
698
I Why does the Dry Air Gas Constant vary?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
6
Views
3K
Why is Hot Air Lighter than Cold Air?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
3
Views
1K
Keeping helium in an unsealed balloon?
    • Mechanics
Replies
8
Views
1K
Freon filled balloons go flat QUICKLY! Why?
    • Chemistry
Replies
2
Views
506
B Deuterium combustion within inertial fusion schemes
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
11
Views
1K
Gas in a semi permeable membrane - one for the gas experts
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
4
Views
2K
As much steam as possible from engine exhaust gas + warm water?
    • General Engineering
Replies
25
Views
2K
I Trying to wrap my head around gas turbine thermodynamics
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
5
Views
649
Open Gas Turbine - calculate T2, T3, T4, efficiency
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
971

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top