Helium-filled balloon tied to mass

In summary, when a helium-filled balloon is tied to a mass, it will rise due to the upward force of the helium gas. This is because helium gas is less dense than air and creates an upward force that is greater than the downward force of gravity. The size of the balloon affects its lifting ability, with a larger balloon being able to lift a larger mass. However, a helium-filled balloon can only lift a mass that is less dense than air and small enough to be lifted by the upward force. If the mass is too heavy, the balloon will stay on the ground and may even deflate or break.
  • #1
Linus Pauling
190
0
1. A 1.10 balloon is filled with helium gas until it becomes a 24.0 -diameter sphere. What maximum mass can be tied to the balloon (with a massless string) without the balloon sinking to the floor? (in grams)



2. F = ma
pA = p*pi*r^2



3. radius = 0.12m

F_air = p*pi*r^2 = 4583N, assuming 1atm pressure i.e. 101,300Pa

F_air = mg

m= F_air / g = 467000 grams
 
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  • #2
I assume this is the wrong approach?
 
  • #3
Nevermind, I got it.
 
  • #4
What's Archimedes' buoyant force?
 

1. What happens when a helium-filled balloon is tied to a mass?

When a helium-filled balloon is tied to a mass, the balloon will rise due to the upward force of the helium gas. However, the downward force of the mass will also act on the balloon, causing it to eventually reach an equilibrium point where the forces are balanced and the balloon will stop rising.

2. Why does a helium-filled balloon rise?

A helium-filled balloon rises because of the principle of buoyancy. Helium gas is less dense than the surrounding air, so it creates an upward force that is greater than the downward force of gravity on the balloon. This causes the balloon to rise until it reaches an equilibrium point.

3. How does the size of the balloon affect its ability to lift a mass?

The size of the balloon does play a role in its ability to lift a mass. A larger balloon will have a greater volume of helium gas, which means it will create a larger upward force. This allows it to lift a larger mass before reaching equilibrium.

4. Can a helium-filled balloon lift any type of mass?

No, a helium-filled balloon can only lift a mass that is less dense than the surrounding air. For example, it could not lift a mass made of lead because lead is much denser than air. The mass must also be small enough that the balloon has enough upward force to lift it.

5. What happens if the mass tied to the balloon is too heavy?

If the mass tied to the balloon is too heavy, the upward force of the helium gas will not be enough to lift it. The balloon will stay on the ground and may even become slightly deflated as the helium gas escapes. In some cases, the string or material used to tie the mass to the balloon may also break.

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