Hot air balloon buoyancy problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a buoyancy problem involving a hot air balloon, specifically calculating the weight of ballast needed to make the balloon rise a certain distance over a specified time. The problem incorporates principles of buoyancy and Archimedes' principle, with specific parameters such as the balloon's radius and the density of air.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial calculations of buoyant force and weight, questioning the correctness of the results. Some suggest using symbolic representations for clarity, while others express confusion regarding the distinction between weight and mass in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and the calculations involved. Some have noted discrepancies in their results and are seeking clarification on the expected answers, while others have pointed out potential oversights in the problem's assumptions.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention constraints such as the neglect of air resistance and the implications of the balloon's size on the calculations. There is also a reference to being marked wrong by a system, indicating a formal assessment context.

Jpyhsics
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Homework Statement
A hot-air balloon is initially floating (stationary) a few metres above the ground. The radius of the spherical balloon is 6.25 m, and the density of surrounding air is 1.29 kg m-3. "Ballast" is weight of negligible volume that can be dropped to make the balloon rise. How much weight would you have to drop overboard to make the balloon rise 105 m in 15.0 s? You may assume that the density of surrounding air remains constant.
Relevant Equations
Archimedes principle: Fb=rho*gV
Vsphere= 4/3*pi*r^3
Initially the hot air balloon is stationary so...
FB=Fg
ρgV=mg
m=1319.2...kg
FB=Fg=12941N

In the air...
a=2d/t^2=0.933...m/s^2
Fnet=FB-Fg
(1319-x)(0.93...)=12941-(1319-x)g
x=114.6 kg

but apparently this is wrong?...
 
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Jpyhsics said:
Problem Statement: A hot-air balloon is initially floating (stationary) a few metres above the ground. The radius of the spherical balloon is 6.25 m, and the density of surrounding air is 1.29 kg m-3. "Ballast" is weight of negligible volume that can be dropped to make the balloon rise. How much weight would you have to drop overboard to make the balloon rise 105 m in 15.0 s? You may assume that the density of surrounding air remains constant.
Relevant Equations: Archimedes principle: Fb=rho*gV
Vsphere= 4/3*pi*r^3

Initially the hot air balloon is stationary so...
FB=Fg
ρgV=mg
m=1319.2...kg
FB=Fg=12941N

In the air...
a=2d/t^2=0.933...m/s^2
Fnet=FB-Fg
(1319-x)(0.93...)=12941-(1319-x)g
x=114.6 kg

but apparently this is wrong?...
Why do you think it is wrong?
 
I didn't calculate using the given values, but equations you have used seems to be correct.
Hint: your solution would be more readable if you work only with symbolic names for the quantities throughout your calculation, and put in the given values in the end.
 
Jpyhsics said:
but apparently this is wrong?...
Do you know what the answer is claimed to be?
 
ehild said:
Why do you think it is wrong?
I was marked wrong by the system.
 
haruspex said:
Do you know what the answer is claimed to be?
no...sadly
 
Jpyhsics said:
I was marked wrong by the system.
Try to enter the result with three digits .
 
ehild said:
Try to enter the result with three digits .
So I figured out that they were asking for weight and not mass, but thanks everyone.
 
The answer was supposed to be 1124 N.
 
  • #10
Jpyhsics said:
So I figured out that they were asking for weight and not mass, but thanks everyone.
Yes, it was weight... It is easy to overlook.
 
  • #11
The stated problem seems cringe-worthy. We are expected to have a 12 meter diameter balloon rising at an eventual rate of 14 meters per second under a force of a mere 1124 N while neglecting air resistance?

And neglecting the fact that for the balloon to deflect upwards, some volume of the surrounding air must deflect downward?

12 meter diameter is similar to that of a deployed parachute and 1124N is similar to the weight of a skydiver. The computed result might be good to one significant digit. Four is ludicrous.
 

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