Hot air balloon buoyancy problem

  • Thread starter Jpyhsics
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  • #1
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?...
 

Answers and Replies

  • #2
ehild
Homework Helper
15,543
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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?
 
  • #3
lomidrevo
434
249
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.
 
  • #5
Jpyhsics
84
2
Why do you think it is wrong?
I was marked wrong by the system.
 
  • #6
Jpyhsics
84
2
Do you know what the answer is claimed to be?
no...sadly
 
  • #7
ehild
Homework Helper
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I was marked wrong by the system.
Try to enter the result with three digits .
 
  • #8
Jpyhsics
84
2
Try to enter the result with three digits .
So I figured out that they were asking for weight and not mass, but thanks everyone.
 
  • #9
Jpyhsics
84
2
The answer was supposed to be 1124 N.
 
  • #10
ehild
Homework Helper
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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
jbriggs444
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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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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