Helium balloon in water and air

In summary, when a helium balloon is placed in water, it will float due to its lower density compared to water. However, it will sink in water because water is more dense than helium. It is not possible to make a helium balloon float underwater because the surrounding water is denser than the helium inside the balloon. In a vacuum, the helium inside the balloon will expand and cause the balloon to burst. Lastly, a helium balloon will float in any gas that is less dense than the helium inside, including air, hydrogen, and methane.
  • #1
greset
1
0
If I were to let go of a Helium balloon with a volume of 3 liter at a depth of 10 meters, how do i calculate te time it will take the balloon to reach an altitude of a 100 meters in the air? And what changes if its not helium but hydrogen for instance?

hope anyone can help me with this
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF greset,

This smells like homework to me... :wink:

What have you attempted thus far?
 
  • #3


I would approach this question by considering the physical properties of the gases involved and the forces acting on the balloon.

Firstly, the buoyancy force acting on the balloon in both water and air will be different due to the differences in density of the two mediums. In water, the balloon will experience a greater buoyant force due to its lower density compared to the surrounding water. In air, the balloon will still experience a buoyant force, but it will be much weaker due to the lower density of air compared to water.

Secondly, the weight of the balloon will also play a role in determining its motion. At a depth of 10 meters, the weight of the balloon will be affected by the pressure of the water, which will be greater than the pressure of the air at the surface. This will cause the balloon to sink in water, but it will also experience a force pushing it upwards due to the buoyant force.

To calculate the time it will take for the balloon to reach an altitude of 100 meters, we would need to consider the forces acting on the balloon and its motion. This would involve using equations such as Archimedes' principle, which relates the buoyant force to the density of the fluid and the volume of the object.

If the balloon is filled with helium, which has a lower density than air, it will experience a stronger buoyant force and will rise faster in the air. However, if the balloon is filled with hydrogen, which has an even lower density than helium, it will rise even faster. In this case, the time it takes for the balloon to reach an altitude of 100 meters will be shorter compared to the helium-filled balloon.

In conclusion, the time it takes for the balloon to reach an altitude of 100 meters will depend on the density of the gas inside the balloon, the density of the medium it is in, and the weight of the balloon. Calculating this time would involve using equations and considering the forces acting on the balloon.
 

1. What happens when you put a helium balloon in water?

When a helium balloon is placed in water, it will float to the surface because helium is less dense than water. The balloon will also appear to shrink in size due to the pressure of the water surrounding it.

2. Why does a helium balloon float in air but sink in water?

Helium is less dense than air, which allows the balloon to float. However, helium is more dense than water, so the balloon will sink when placed in water.

3. Can you make a helium balloon float underwater?

No, a helium balloon will not float underwater because the surrounding water is more dense than the helium inside the balloon. The balloon will sink to the bottom of the water.

4. What will happen to a helium balloon in a vacuum?

In a vacuum, the helium inside the balloon will expand and cause the balloon to burst. This is because there is no air pressure to counteract the pressure of the helium gas inside the balloon.

5. Can a helium balloon float in any gas?

Yes, a helium balloon will float in any gas that is less dense than the helium inside the balloon. This includes not only air, but also other gases such as hydrogen or methane.

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